Since antiquity, the fine metal trade was a sector with efficient extraction and fusion techniques, and well organized distribution systems. Around 1800 B.C., a well-designed network of product distribution was flourishing in the biggest ports of the eastern Mediterranean.
Precious materials, such as ivory, amber, gold, purple, spices, even salt, were in great demand. The most popular commercial goods of the known world were tin and copper, and from their mixture came the precious bronze.
That fine metal led to a unique economic growth. Its triumphant course begun from Egypt, where there was a need for large quantities of the new metal, to make tools for the big construction works in the whole country. The legendary pharaoh Ramses II established the first bronze construction unit in history, where roughly nine tones of copper and tin were processed daily.
The flourish of trade in Europe led to progress and prosperity, but it has also been the cause of impostures, raid attacks and wars. Economic growth had its dark side and led humanity into chaos. The battle for dominance between the most important commercial cities figures among the darkest pages of the period’s history and marks the beginning of the end of the Bronze Age.
- Direction: FRANZ LEOPOLD SCHMELZER, GERHARD REKEL
- Production: ILONA GRUNDMANN PRODUCTION (FOR ZDF)
