Isotopic analysis showed that European copper objects 3 to 4 millennia BC were smelted from ore in southeastern Europe. Reported by the University of Kiel.
The discovery of metal smelting methods was a turning point in human history. The first material suitable for the manufacture of metal tools was copper. Its significant disadvantage, in addition to softness, is the relative rarity of deposits, which contributes to the development of commercial relations.
German scientists led by Jan Brosio analyzed Isotopic composition of 45 copper objects, including axes and chisels, from various sites dating to the 4th and 3rd millennium BC discovered in northern central Europe and southern Scandinavia. Each copper deposit has a unique isotope ratio of certain impurities; in this case, the authors analyzed the isotopic composition of lead.
It turns out that it was produced before 3500 BC. artifacts have only been recovered from mines in southeastern Europe, particularly from mining areas that are now Serbia. Later artifacts bear traces of ore from the eastern Alps and Slovak Mountains and later, possibly from the British Isles.
Scientists including scientists concluded that metallurgical activity fluctuated over time and around 3000 BC. The prevalence of copper objects fell.
Formerly paleontologists saidwhere live “bagels” live obama 550 million years old.