Peter Bray

Dr. Peter Bray is a Research Fellow in Material Science at the University of Reading's Department of Archaeology. His work combines chemical analysis of metal objects with human history, bridging the gap between material science and archaeology. He splits his time between Reading's new laboratory facilities and the British Museum's Department of Science, fostering collaborative research initiatives. His research focuses on archaeometallurgy, particularly the chemical characterization of copper alloys and their role in Bronze Age exchange networks. Key interests include metal procurement, recycling practices, and the socio-cultural implications of metallurgical technologies. He has contributed to transdisciplinary projects like the FLAME-D Database, advancing integrated systems for archaeometallurgical study.

Research emphasizes the mutability of metal objects and their role in reconstructing ancient socio-economic systems, with a focus on case studies from Europe, China, and Xinjiang. His work spans from the analysis of Bronze Age axes to Roman-era recycling strategies, offering insights into material culture's dynamic nature. Dr. Bray's expertise bridges laboratory science and archaeological interpretation, addressing questions of object biography and technological innovation across prehistoric and early historic contexts.