Copper through Time

Copper and gold are the oldest metals known to man and were found in ancient times in their native form. Their bright colour made them easily visible.

The earliest known copper article is a pendant dating from about 9000 BC in Asia Minor. Copper gradually became more plentiful as ancient man learnt how to produce copper from copper ore. The discovery of alloying copper and tin to make bronze (the first ever alloy) was a major step forward because bronze is harder, tougher and stronger than copper.

Use the timeline below to find out some of its historical uses. Roll your cursor over the brass bollards.

Early uses

The first copper objects were decorative - because copper is attractive and easy to shape. For example, earrings, rings, brooches, bracelets, combs and mirrors have been discovered from the ancient civilisations of China, India, Peru and Rome. They display a high level of craftsmanship and artistic skill. These sorts of articles are still being made today and sold in markets all over the world.

Later uses

Some early civilisations realised that bronze could be melted easily and cast into shapes. Furthermore, it could be hardened by working the metal. So they began to use it in new applications: axes, knives, chisels and bowls. These were much more effective than their clay or stone counterparts, which were brittle and more fragile.

Trading

 
Valuable copper and bronze articles were traded across the world for cloth, furs and food. This led to an improvement in living standards. In Britain, the Bronze Age started in about 2000 BC. Copper and tin were mined in Cornwall and Wales. At one time, Britain was the biggest producer of tin in the world, supplying those countries which had copper but no tin to make bronze.

More modern times

Much later, copper and zinc were alloyed to make brass. This found many uses as Britain developed into a major industrial country. In the 20th century, it is copper's electrical properties that have dominated its uses (see this page). 60% of copper is used in electrical and electronic goods.