Cyprus was a major copper source in antiquity, yet the supply chain for Bronze Age Mediterranean trade remains debated. The Uluburun shipwreck (14th century BCE) carried approximately 10 tons of Cypriot copper ox-hide ingots. Some researchers have highlighted gaps between estimated copper requirements for Old World bronze production and the archaeological evidence, suggesting sources may include understudied regions or unrecognized supply networks. The 'copper paradox' has been discussed in archaeological literature for decades.
Copper Paradox: Old World copper mines insufficient for artifacts
Key facts
- Academics have studied the copper problem for 40-50 years
- Cyprus copper production from 4500-1000 BC maximum was only 31-32 tons
- Uluburun shipwreck carried 10 tons of copper from Cyprus
- Old World extracted copper: minimum 240 tons to maximum 2,000 tons
- Found artifacts require approximately 100,000 tons of copper
- Disparity is 89-99.76% of copper missing from Old World records
- Recycling explanation only increases the copper needed originally
Sources
independent.academia.edu
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