“A Sack of Good Charcoal”. Production and Use of Charcoal in Metallurgy in Medieval Serbia and Czechia

Charcoal was indispensable to medieval metallurgy, yet its production and use have been overlooked in historical studies. This research reveals that both medieval Serbia and Czechia—home to advanced mining centers like Kutná Hora and Novo Brdo—relied on sophisticated charcoal supply systems, reflected in their interconnected mining legislation. By analyzing existing sources and adopting a comparative European perspective, the study highlights how charcoal production supported metallurgical development, offering new insights into the economic and technological foundations of these regions.

Fostikov, A. (2025). “A SACK OF GOOD CHARCOAL”. PRODUCTION AND USE OF CHARCOAL IN METALLURGY IN MEDIEVAL SERBIA AND CZECHIA. Zbornici Radova Istorijskog Instituta Beograd, (47/2025), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.34298/zr9788677431600.f095