The more important recent programs of metallurgical research on ancient bronzes are reviewed briefly but critically. The present authors have selected copper ingots as the vehicle for the first stage of their research, since one ingot probably represents a single ore source. A number of ingots have been found on Crete, but a survey in 1974 of alleged copper deposits on the island suggested that Crete should probably be considered a major producer of copper in the Bronze Age. Cyprus, however, has well attested sources of copper, and may have been important, as may Anatolia. Analytical results are tabulated for up to 15 minor and trace elements in twelve ingots from the Eastern Mediterranean and the results discussed. Other results are mentioned in less detail. An ingot in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, formerly thought to be bronze, is in fact copper with minor impurities and sulfide inclusions. The importance of this kind of analysis and of associated metallographic studies to research on ancient metallurgy is described briefly and the type of question attacked by the authors' research project indicated. Two such questions are the role of Anatolia as a source of copper, and the significance of oxhide ingots found in the Western Mediterranean. Chemical analysis may also elucidate ancient mining practice and enable trading routes for the metallic copper to be followed. -- AATA