The Early History of Metallurgy in Egypt
Perhaps the most knowledgeable and innovative society in regards to metallurgy was Egypt. Not only did the Egyptians use their metals for basic objects such as tools, jewelry, and weapons, but they also created statues,and perfected the art of making threads from metals, that would be weaved into cloth and other pieces of ornamentation. Dating back as early as 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians learned how to use metals, and developed the techniques of refining, mining, and metalworking.The complex science and technology of manufacturing metallic products and goods known by the Egyptians made them able to produce numerous metallic alloys in large quantities.
The Different Processes
The techniques in which the Egyptians worked their metals was unique and extremely fascinating. Developed during the Early Dynastic Period (2920–2575 B.C.E , smelting crushed metal ore and mixed it with charcoal, making charge, that would be burned and shaped.
Casting was also another process in which an object was created by pouring molten metal into a mold to be shaped. Such objects have been dated back nearly 5000 to 6000 years ago. Fun fact! A mold could be shaped in stone, carved in pottery, or even formed in sand.
Finally, a metal could also be hammered into thin sheets, most commonly with silver or gold.
The Different Processes
The techniques in which the Egyptians worked their metals was unique and extremely fascinating. Developed during the Early Dynastic Period (2920–2575 B.C.E , smelting crushed metal ore and mixed it with charcoal, making charge, that would be burned and shaped.
Casting was also another process in which an object was created by pouring molten metal into a mold to be shaped. Such objects have been dated back nearly 5000 to 6000 years ago. Fun fact! A mold could be shaped in stone, carved in pottery, or even formed in sand.
Finally, a metal could also be hammered into thin sheets, most commonly with silver or gold.
Imports vs Exports
Despite common belief, Egypt did not have the resources to make their famous electrum (an alloy of silver and gold) on their own land. Instead, mineral ores such as copper, lead, tin, lead, and even silver came from mineral ores of other countries. Ancient Egypt had the tools and knowledge to explore for the needed materials, establish mining processes, and transport over land and sea, their newly acquired loads of metal. In return, they exported large quantities of finished goods.Transformed metallic products therefore could be found all over the world.
Despite common belief, Egypt did not have the resources to make their famous electrum (an alloy of silver and gold) on their own land. Instead, mineral ores such as copper, lead, tin, lead, and even silver came from mineral ores of other countries. Ancient Egypt had the tools and knowledge to explore for the needed materials, establish mining processes, and transport over land and sea, their newly acquired loads of metal. In return, they exported large quantities of finished goods.Transformed metallic products therefore could be found all over the world.