For most of the Bronze Ages powers in the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, their copper came from Cyprus, which shipped out impressive portions of ore, and their tin came overland from Afghanistan/Tajikistan from the region of Badakhshan. read more
For most of the Bronze Ages powers in the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, their copper came from Cyprus, which shipped out impressive portions of ore, and their tin came overland from Afghanistan/Tajikistan from the region of Badakhshan. Before the Bronze Age Collapse Badakhshan was the only major source of tin for the Bronze Age powers. read more
Arsenical bronze objects appear first in the Middle East where arsenic is commonly found in association with copper ore, but the health risks were quickly realized and the quest for sources of the much less hazardous tin ores began early in the Bronze Age (Charles 1979, p. 30). read more
Bronze is an alloy made by combining copper with as much as 5 to 10 percent tin. Because it is more easily cast in molds and harder than copper, bronze replaced copper in the production of tools, weapons and ornamental objects. The Bronze Age lasted until 1100 B.C., when iron became the most important metal in manufacturing. read more