Bronze age to present

Bronze age

6000 BCE

During this time metalsmiths had discovered new ways to produce harder materials using copper. Arsenic bronze alloy was produced by combining copper and arsenic. Copper ore typically consisted of other metals including arsenic, lead nickel and bismuth.

Lead and arsenic

6000 BCE

Within the copper ore, the lead found softened the copper, opposed to the arsenic that created a harder, finer product.

Tin

5000 BCE

It was proven that tin was the most suitable with copper to produce the alloy. Tin Bronze was mroe malleable and sharper than copper, allowing for weapons to be created. These bronze weapons led nations to overthrow others that had not yet discovered these alloys.

TRADE

4000 BCE

An extensive trade network had developed with Europe as many metalsmiths in the Middle East had developed the introduction of this technology to neighbouring European countries including Spain.

Iron age begins

3500 BCE

The iron age marked the beginning of smelting technology that allowed for the exploitation of Iron. Unlike the easy smelting of copper ores, iron required much higher temperatures.

PEAK AND DECLINE OF BRONZE AGE

3000 BCE

4300 BC through to 3000 BC was the peak of the bronze age but as it declined and new technology was introduced, the Iron age began.

Copper

2800 BCE

At this point copper was being mined in various central European countries such as Austria which was turned into bronze by European bronze smiths.

Iron

2100 BCE

Strips of iron were being used for multiple purposes including chariot wheels and barrel hoops. To obtain iron, it was heated at extremely high temperatures and was later learnt how to create steel. After it was heated, it was placed into cold water.