CT scans reveal hidden details of ancient copper smelting in early Iran About 5,000 years ago, people living in what is now Iran began extracting copper from rock by processing ore, an activity known as smelting. This monumental shift gave them a powerful new technology and may have marked the birth of metallurgy. Soon after, people in different parts of the world were using copper and bronzes (alloys of copper and tin, or copper and arsenic) to produce decorative objects, weapons, tools, and more.

✨5,000 years ago, a spark in ancient Iran!🔥 Humans unlocked metalworking, birthing metallurgy & a world of copper tools & treasures! ⛏️ #AncientInnovation

Source: phys.org/news/2025-11-ct-scans-re...