Archaeometallurgical investigations, and in particular those employing metallographic techniques, have greatly increased our understanding of the past, primarily by improving our knowledge of the histories of technological developments. However, these studies have potential for contributing to our comprehension of many more aspects of life in the past. The series of case studies presented here illustrate the application of metallography not only in elucidating the history of technology but also in areas such as the dating of objects, the determination of the spread of technologies and the nature and implications of the contact of cultures with the outside world.