The sophistication of Iron Age blacksmithing technology in Wessex was determined by the metallurgical examination of 503 iron artifacts using optical metallography, electron microprobe analysis and Vickers hardness testing. Iron artifacts from the different regions and site types of Southern Britain were examined to determine both the capabilities of Iron Age blacksmiths to alter the properties of iron artifacts through cold-working, carburization, heat-treatment and alloy selection, and the distribution of these possible techniques. The reasons for the selection of the areas, the sites, and the actual artifacts chosen for examination are discussed.