Copper: A Brief Early History

by | Sep 24, 2014 | Materials

Long before the concept of a copper manifold was though about, centuries before Spinco Metal Products specialize in copper manifold construction, the Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, Romans and other people were using copper. This metal has played a significant role in the development of what we now call civilization. Around the world, it was used to herald in a Bronze Age and to help in the creation of another alloy – brass.

Copper does not have an age named after it. Yet, without it, the world would look much different than it does today. From the creation of copper pipes including copper return bends, to a copper manifold and spun copper driers, copper has made a strong and lasting impression on society now and in the past.

Beginnings

When someone first began to realize the potential of copper remains unknown to history. Rough estimates date early usage to as far back as 9000 B.C. The location of this early discovery was the Middle East. Egypt and Jordan were homes to workshops and early copper smelting mines. Here, tools and weapons emerged. In Egypt, copper pipes or tubes were located within the temples and tombs of well-known officials and Pharaohs.

On the Mediterranean, Cyprus began to receive various copper items around 28000 B.C. The source of the products was Egypt, although they appear to have received some from Sumeria. Trading also expanded the availability of copper items in other parts of the world of that time. While copper was being used to create bronze, it was not yet a deliberate process.

The discovery of the various uses of copper had an effect on Cyprus and other countries. Those that could began to develop their own sources of copper. This resulted in a new industry and craftsmen began to create beautiful and practical objects – although not yet a copper manifold or other sophisticated items, from this malleable metal.

The Role of Spain

In the 1240 B.C., the Phoenicians, a seafaring nation of great repute as traders, made their mark by establishing a settlement (now Cádiz) in Spain. They began to expand their colony inland to Huelva. Here, they discovered a source of copper. It was the largest in the world at and since this time. When the Phoenicians, by then known as the Carthaginians, fell to the Romans, the Romans took over the mines and the production of copper. As was to be the case for many engineering and commercially-related activities, the Romans not only matched, but exceeded and improved the existing mine and mining facilities.

The quality of the copper produced here and the amount made it possible to produce high quality goods and practical products. The Romans took them wherever they went. They also sent them to the ends of their Republic, then Empire. At the same time, they were quick to use local copper, therefore, spreading the news and leading to the creation of fine products including some made from copper alloys

Today, the use of copper is spread throughout the world. From simple copper pipes to a copper manifold or finely wrought copper ornaments, the place of copper is secure in the world of manufacturing. Companies, such as Spinco Metal Products specialize in copper manifold and other copper-based products. They are one of many companies who realize the beauty, strength and utility of copper.

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