Romans used Bronze

Bronze alloy was most likely discovered by accident sometime before 3,000 BC. Prior to that, (about 4,000 BC), people living in Mesopotamia (the Near East) were mainly using three metals: gold, silver, and copper. Copper was probably the first metal used for industrial purposes, that is, for making weapons and tools.

For about 2,000 years, from around 3,000 BC to 1,000 BC, bronze was the most important metal used by people for industrial purposes. The Roman use of tools made of iron began to increase after 1,000 BC. Like the Greeks and Egyptians before them, the Romans used bronze in numerous ways, including bronze pots and pans, belts brooches for fastening clothes, armor and many military items. Additionally, in private homes and gardens, in public places like the Roman Forum, figurines, statues of gods, athletes, heroes, and government officials were all made of bronze. The metal that the Romans produced was central to the success of the Roman Empire. As bronze ages it's colour changes from a bright gold to green or brown leaving a wonderful looking patina.

What is a Patina?

Because of its high copper content, bronze, normally reddish gold in color, gradually develops a blue-green patina as the surface interacts with oxygen and other elements in the air.

(bronze is an alloy of copper with tin and sometimes zinc)

Where were the artefacts found and how can Ancient Shapes purchase them?

Ancient artifacts are more common than is generally believed. Most ancient cultures existed for very long periods of time, had large territories and populations of millions of people. In fact at the peak of the Roman Empire (100 - 300AD) the population was 50-60 million.

Many artifacts of the ancient world haven't been destroyed; they have just been lost and buried. European metal detector enthusiasts supply Ancient Shapes with bronze artifacts. These people have maps identifying ancient battlefields (usually farm areas today). Agreements are struck with the farmers and any finds are divided. Most countries in Europe have restricting the export of ancient artifacts leaving the supply of such items at risk in the future, however most of the artifacts (low cost small items) we sell come from Europe, are at the present abundantly available and easily exported with little or no restrictions. A special licence is usually needed from the country that allows the export of large expensive high grade artifacts. We specialise in small low cost items where a licence is not required from the country we export from.

Many ancient artefacts have been circulating in and out of both private and museum collections, for hundreds of years. At present there are more ancient artefacts in existence than are wanted or needed for display by museums or archaeological research. Many ancient items found in archaeological digs are sold to the public. This is one way archaeological campaigns are funded. It’s one thing to see ancient artifacts in a museum showcase behind glass, and quite another experience to hold the pieces in your hands and examine them under a magnifying glass. You now have the opportunity to personally own a piece of ancient history, which helps account for the growing popularity of such items.

How do I know these artifacts are real?

Reference Books, which include university publications, are used to categorise and date (to the nearest century) each item we sell. We tend to purchase items that are easy to categorise, like iron arrowheads, brooches fire starters and small bronze items.

It has become obvious to us that Ancient items such as brooches, iron arrowheads and fire starters are indeed genuine. Relics made from gold or silver such as coins and expensive jewellery are more likely to be at risk of being fakes. Other items, that are known to be duplicated or copied are large bronze statue type relics. The financial return on duplicating such items make it worthwhile.

Colour and type of the metal- most of the items we sell are made from bronze, characteristic of ancient times.

A typical order we receive- these ancient items need to be categorized and cleaned.

Ancient Shapes can be contacted by

Website

www.ancientshapes.com.au

Email

paul@ancientshapes.com

Phone

0423193427

Write

Ancient Shapes

PO Box 372

Salamander Bay 2317 NSW

Australia

Biofeedback Instruments is the trading business behind Ancient Shapes

ABN 47404600517