<p>In the ancient world, bronzes - from over-lifesize sculptures to small-scale utilitarian objects - were an omnipresent and integral part of everyday public and private life. Bronze was also a valuable resource. From a scientific point of view, recent decades have seen new methods of analysis to reconstruct the production processes of ancient bronzes. At the same time, research on ancient bronze sculpture continues to rely on art historical theories and methodologies in discussions of style and chronology. Irrespective of the nature of the object -be it sculpture, tool, or weapon - role and function must be studied in conjunction with the archaeological context with which the objects were once associated. The proceedings of the XXth International Congress on Ancient Bronzes address these key topics, bringing together experts from different backgrounds to investigate further the developing studies in the field of ancient bronzes.</p>