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Copper Age
The Copper Age is a phase in which the first stages of metallurgy took place in prehistoric times. Dated between 9000 BC and 3300 BC, this period symbolizes the transition of human societies from stone tools to metal tools. The initial discovery and processing of copper had significant impacts on agriculture, hunting, building construction and cultural developments.
Discovery and Processing of Copper:
Copper is generally found in nature as copper ore, with small amounts of copper also found in free form. The first discovery of copper was the first step in the transition from the stone age to the metal age. People learned to melt copper ore with the help of fire and then shape it into desired shapes. This process marks the initial development of metallurgical skills.
Agriculture and Technological Progress:
The availability of copper led to significant advances in agriculture and technology. Copper tools were more effective than stone tools in daily tasks such as tilling soil, chopping wood, and construction. This increased agricultural productivity and encouraged the development of settled communities. Additionally, processing copper made it possible to make more complex and specialized tools.
Change in Social Structure:
The Copper Age also caused significant changes in social structure. With the use of copper, craft classes emerged. Copper working required the presence of metallurgists and people specialized in tool making. This situation paved the way for the formation of specialized professional groups within the communities and the development of trade.
Cultural Interaction and Trade:
The processing of copper encouraged cultural interaction and trade between different regions. The transportation of copper on trade routes enabled different communities to exchange goods. This allowed technological and cultural innovations to be shared and societies to learn from each other.
The End of the Copper Age:
The Copper Age gave way to bronze, a more durable and strong metal. The use of bronze, copper and tin as an alloy made it possible to obtain more effective and durable materials in the production of tools and weapons. These developments led to the end of the Copper Age and the beginning of the Bronze Age.
Conclusion and Evaluation:
The Copper Age is a critical period in humanity's transition to metallurgy. The discovery of copper led to significant changes in agriculture, technology, social structure and cultural interaction. This period symbolizes people using nature more effectively and discovering the potential of metal. The Copper Age represents an important step in the evolution of human societies and symbolizes the beginning of the metallurgical revolution.
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