The Early History of Metallurgy in Mesopotamia
The development of metallurgy in ancient Mesopotamia strongly influenced the early evolution of commerce and economy, as well as the advancements of technology. An increase in social centers and far-stretching trade routes can also be a positive effect of Mesopotamia's collection of raw materials from neighboring territories and creating metal products. Much of ancient commerce was dependent on the trading of metals, therefore the development of early banking and the first money, the silver shekel (pictured to the left), was the product of successful trading.
Ores vs Fuels
The process of smelting, as well as casting, could not be done without the correct amount of furnaces and supplies to fuel enough heat to melt the metals. Unfortunately, Mesopotamia lacked ores, and instead had a great supply of fuels. So the ores, predominantly from other territories, were brought in to complete the process. There is strong evidence that Mesopotamia was the world’s prime source of fuels from ancient times to the Roman era. Moreover, the use and knowledge of the fuels and their properties were greater there than in any other civilizations.
The process of smelting, as well as casting, could not be done without the correct amount of furnaces and supplies to fuel enough heat to melt the metals. Unfortunately, Mesopotamia lacked ores, and instead had a great supply of fuels. So the ores, predominantly from other territories, were brought in to complete the process. There is strong evidence that Mesopotamia was the world’s prime source of fuels from ancient times to the Roman era. Moreover, the use and knowledge of the fuels and their properties were greater there than in any other civilizations.
Advances in Metallurgy
Although the advancements in metallurgy furthered society in Mesopotamia, it did not spread to other societies as quickly. There are a few reasons for the reluctance of sharing metals and ideas, but the two most prominent were the desire and greed to be the only people selling crafted tool and jewelry, as well as the fear of conflict and war. With the growth in metallurgy came the positive progress of weaponry. Especially when made of durable iron, tools and military weapons were a gigantic threat.
Although the advancements in metallurgy furthered society in Mesopotamia, it did not spread to other societies as quickly. There are a few reasons for the reluctance of sharing metals and ideas, but the two most prominent were the desire and greed to be the only people selling crafted tool and jewelry, as well as the fear of conflict and war. With the growth in metallurgy came the positive progress of weaponry. Especially when made of durable iron, tools and military weapons were a gigantic threat.