The Bronze Age, which lasted about 3300 BC to 1200 BC, is a historical era where for the first time people began using metal. Early stone tools and we

The Bronze Age, which lasted about 3300 BC to 1200 BC, is a historical era where for the first time people began using metal. Early stone tools and weapons were quickly replaced by bronze counterparts made of ninety percent copper and ten percent tin. This period came to an unexpected end with the simultaneous demise of many important Bronze Age civilizations. It is thought that the ancient Sumerians from the Middle East were the first to start using bronze. At that time, humankind made significant technological progress some of which are still used today. Here are some of the best inventions made during that era. 1. Wheel The wheel and the wheel axle is believed to have been first developed to be used in pot making. Several years later, the wheel was used for transportation of animals, plants and of course, people. The wheels for transportation were made of metal at the time. Although the wheel’s invention is credited to the Mesopotamians, the earliest examples of wheels being utilized for transportation can be found in Poland and other parts of Eurasia. This paved the way for long distance trade as chariots could now be used for this purpose as well as be used in war. 2. Bronze Plow The Bronze Age saw the invention of plows made from bronze. Prior, farmers made their plow blades from wood or stone. It stands to reason that this was not the ideal as the stone blades shattered when used to hit hard objects. The wooden ones were not durable, they did not keep their sharp edge and were not the best for sifting through dirt and soil with rocks and roots. The introduction of the bronze plow made farming simpler and had the strength to withstand damaging blows. With this increased efficiency in farming, farmers were able to produce food in larger quantities. 3. Axes The ax was an essential tool in civilizations before and during the Bronze Age, particularly for the purpose of farming. Before this era, stone axes were used, however; it was difficult to keep the ax handle from splitting during the impact. The new ax which was produced had a hole for the handle. The ax head was fitted with a ring making it far more durable because it took the impact instead of the handle. Bronze also made it possible to create double headed axes. The axes’ sharper blades made them more effective for battle, cleaning land and acquiring food. 4. Weapons There was an increase in the number of weapons produced and their quality and effectiveness as well. The Bronze Age led to the invention of the dagger which became one of the most significant weapons of that time. Arrowheads and spearheads were also made of bronze. In addition to maintaining its shape, bronze also kept a razor sharp edge which was useful when facing an adversary and hunting. 5. Shields and Armor Before the late Bronze Age, shields were essential and were made from leather or wood which were sometimes not effective. In the late Bronze Age, shield making with flat sheets of bronze was practiced. The bronze was beaten to form sheets which were about one millimeter thick. Don’t let this thickness fool you into believing that it wasn’t strong. In fact, it has been found that by stretching the metal matrix’s micrograins during the shaping process of bronze a highly effective barrier against penetration is produced. Elite warriors’ armors were also made using this method.

The Best Inventions of the Bronze Age

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