copper age

The Copper Age, also known as the Chalcolithic Age, is a period in human prehistory that falls between the Neolithic (Stone Age) and Bronze Age. It is characterized by the use of copper, along with stone tools, for various purposes, including weapons, ornaments, and domestic items. The Copper Age marked a significant technological advancement in metallurgy, as humans learned to smelt and work with copper ore to produce metal objects. The Copper Age varies in different regions, with some areas transitioning directly from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age without a distinct Copper Age phase. The Copper Age laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, which was more durable and versatile than pure copper. As a result, the Bronze Age marked a major leap in human technological progress. The study of the Copper Age offers insights into the socio-economic changes and technological innovations that occurred during this transitional period. It sheds light on the ways in which early human societies adapted to new materials and developed specialized skills in metallurgy and metalworking. Additionally, the Copper Age provides valuable evidence of the increasing complexity of human communities and the emergence of long-distance trade networks, which facilitated the exchange of copper and other valuable resources. Archaeological discoveries from Copper Age sites help to piece together the story of human development and cultural evolution during this pivotal era in prehistory.