Metallurgy changes over time

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Metallurgy has been a driving force in shaping our history and continues to have a significant impact on our lives today. Over thousands of years, humans have used metals like gold, copper, bronze, and iron to create tools, weapons, and ornaments. The use of metals has considerably impacted human history and society, so much so that we have named entire eras after the metals bronze and iron. Advancements in metallurgy has led to periods of great economic, cultural advancements and impacted every component of human civilization from weaponry and warfare, agriculture and trade, transportation and settlement. There is no part of human life today that has not been touched by the impacts of metallurgy. 

An early discovery, Gold was too soft to be useful except for creating beautiful ornaments. Copper was the next significant advancement, which could be hot or cold hammered or alloyed with other minerals to produce bronze. Bronze was incredibly useful for creating weapons, tools, and ornaments, and it marked the end of the Stone Age. 

Eventually, bronze was replaced with iron, which was even harder and stronger. Iron was initially used for ornamental purposes, but the development of coking allowed for a harder and more durable version of iron called steel. Iron continued to develop independently in different parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa. Iron Age cultures lasted over a thousand years in Europe and persisted in Africa until the 19th century.

As beneficial to human development metallurgy has been, it has also had environmental impacts through deforestation and mining operations and has had societal implications such as cultural and military advancements. The use of metals has played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization and how we interact with the world around us.


Source credit "Metallurgy through the Ages ." Science and Its Times: Understanding the Social Significance of Scientific Discovery. . Encyclopedia.com. 18 Oct. 2023 <https://www.encyclopedia.com>.