Copper is essential for making bronze, which shaped tools, weapons and ornaments across Bronze Age Europe. While many Bronze Age mines have been identified throughout Europe, researchers are still trying to pin down which of them were most active at different times and how far their copper traveled. New research, published in the journal Antiquity, suggests that a series of mines in modern-day Spain and Portugal may have been an important source of copper in the Late Bronze Age, with some of that copper ending up as far away as Scandinavia.
Ancient Copper Mines in Iberia Highlight Bronze Age Trade Networks
Research indicates that ancient copper mines in modern-day Spain and Portugal were significant sources of copper during the Late Bronze Age, contributing to trade networks that extended as far as Scandinavia. This highlights the interconnectedness of ancient economies, which may provide insights into trade dynamics that could relate to Iran's historical trade practices. Understanding these networks can shed light on Iran's historical role in regional and global trade.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
New research indicates that ancient copper mines in Spain and Portugal were significant sources of copper during the Late Bronze Age, contributing to trade networks that reached as far as Scandinavia.
- Copper was essential for making bronze, which was used for tools, weapons, and ornaments.
- The findings suggest a complex trade network that highlights the interconnectedness of ancient economies.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Copper was a crucial resource in the Bronze Age, and its trade shaped the development of early civilizations, including those in the Iranian plateau.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 100%