History Fact Finder | Eras and Their Highlights - Why Has Iron Been Called The "Democratic Metal"?

Why has iron been called the "democratic metal"?

Iron has been called the "democratic metal" because the mass production of iron implements enabled ancient humans to extend their control over nature and improve their standard of living. The Iron Age began around 1500 B.C., when people learned how to form iron into tools and weapons. Although iron was discovered about 2500 B.C., for more than a thousand years it was used primarily for making ornamental objects. Prior to this time, in an era called the Bronze Age (3300–2500 B.C.), tools and weapons were made from bronze, which was less available than iron. As a result, few people could acquire bronze items. During the Iron Age, however, tools became more accessible, and for this reason iron has been called the "democratic metal." Using iron axes, people could chop down trees and clear more land for farming. With shears they could cut sheep's wool for use in...

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