Can I just add the following points to the ongoing discussion:
1) Mining is in some places older than the use of metals: just think flint
mines or clay mines.
2) Mineral pigments were used in cave art before the use of metals: just
think ochre and paleolithic cave art.
3) A good start to early mining is R F Tylecote's "A history of
metallurgy" (1976) - a bit out-of-date now but still excellent to get the
basics. Early copper metallurgy probably started somewhere in the
Armenian region (still difficult to prove) and I gather among the oldest
metallurgical residues are controversial pieces from Catal Hoyuk, Turkey,
from the 9th millennium BC.
4) Further to what has been stated already: Mining of metalliferous
deposits started at different times in different places and to pin down a
single date is to over-simplify things. Advanced civilisations in
Mesopotamia did effect not a bit in North America at the time.
Development sequences can be quite complex depending on natural resources
and socio-economic circumstances. The subdivision of the archaeological
time scale dates back to the Danish archaeologist C.J. Thomsen (1788-1865)
and reflects the now well established theory that the development of
humankind is closely linked to the use of materials. Examples are many
(e.g. the rise of advanced complex societies, increase in trade,
agriculture, manufacture, etc.). Individual papers are too many to quote
but are mostly written by social archaeologist (or anthropologists, as you
call them over there). Any good university course book for undergraduate
Archaeology will outline the importance of mining and metallurgy for world
history.
Irene
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Wer die Vergangenheit nicht kennt, kann die Zukunft nicht gestalten.
(Goethe)
Irene E Schrufer-Kolb
School of Archaeological Studies Tel.: +44-(0)1280-823102
University of Leicester FAX: +44-(0)116-252-5005
University Road e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Leicester LE1 7RH http://www.le.ac.uk/ar/ies1/
United Kingdom
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