Bartomeu Ramon Llull Estarellas

Bartomeu Ramon Llull Estarellas is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Historical Sciences and Arts Theory at the University of the Balearic Islands, where he specializes in archaeometallurgy with a focus on prehistoric mining practices in the Balearic Islands. He has been teaching Prehistory I for History degree students since the 2015-2016 academic year and previously taught Prehistoric Archaeology during 2019-20. As a member of the Material Culture and Archaeological Heritage Management Research Group (ARQUEOUIB), he has co-directed research projects since 2009 focusing on prehistoric mining and mineral deposit characterization in Menorca and Mallorca.

Dr. Llull Estarellas' research concentrates on archaeometallurgy, particularly elemental composition studies, metallography, lead isotope analysis, and prehistoric mining of archaeological metals from the Balearic Islands. His work examines how ancient communities exploited local copper resources, particularly through his extensive study of the Sa Mitja Lluna mining site on Illa den Colom (Menorca). His research demonstrates the complex integration of the Balearic Islands into wider Western Mediterranean trade networks during the Bronze and Iron Ages, while also highlighting significant local production and technological practices.

His recent publications reveal consistent research trends focused on metal provenance through isotopic analysis, technological studies of prehistoric metallurgy, and examination of cultural interactions in the Western Mediterranean. These works demonstrate his expertise in connecting archaeological contexts with material analysis to understand resource circulation, technological transfer, and cultural hybridization during prehistoric periods in the Balearic Islands. His research particularly emphasizes the Bronze Age and Iron Age transitions, with growing attention to Post-Talayotic period metallurgical practices.

As co-director of the project 'Archipiélagos: Paisajes, comunidades prehistóricas insulares y estrategias de conectividad en el mediterráneo Occidental' (sponsored by Spain's Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness), he has secured research funding to investigate prehistoric island communities and connectivity strategies in the Western Mediterranean. His archaeological interventions at sites like Sa Mitja Lluna have provided crucial evidence of prehistoric copper mining activities in Menorca.

Dr. Llull Estarellas is actively involved with the ARQUEOUIB research group (Material Culture and Archaeological Heritage Management Research Group) at the University of the Balearic Islands. His fieldwork has particularly focused on the Sa Mitja Lluna copper mining site on Illa den Colom, where archaeological excavations have documented a mining working front exploiting quartz veins with copper minerals. His collaborative work with Laura Perelló Mateo and other researchers has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of prehistoric metallurgy in the Balearic Islands.