ABSTRACT
The Bronze Age commenced in about 3500 bc, perhaps in Luristan, which is now part of Iran. No event in the history of ancient man had such an impact upon his cultural development as the discovery of a mineral known as “cassiterite”. Tin occurred chiefly as the oxide cassiterite, but comparatively few deposits were found in the early days of the Bronze Age. Following the destruction of Babylon in 1925 bc by the Hittites, the Assyrians rose to power and conducted sound trade arrangements with the various races in Anatolia to gain supplies of metals in exchange for their woven fabrics of linen and wool. The Mycenaeans had developed artistry in bronze to the peak of perfection, not only in ornaments, but also in weapons such as swords with flanged hilts. Bronzemaking throughout Europe became highly intensive in the wake of the bellbeater folk who traded in roaming bands all over the continent.
