How do you smelt metal the medieval way?

Answer 1

To smelt metal in the medieval way, you would typically use a bloomery furnace, which is a small, clay or stone structure designed to reach high temperatures. You would start by layering iron ore with charcoal and limestone, then ignite the mixture. As the charcoal burns, it produces carbon monoxide, which reacts with the iron ore to separate the metal from its impurities. The molten iron would collect at the bottom of the furnace, creating a bloom that could be further refined and shaped.