Bronze was first used in Europe and the Mediterranean region for decorative purposes between 3,000 and 1500 B.C.[1] Bronze was highly valued among early people because bronze was more malleable than copper, could melt and cast into objects, and was stronger than copper. Archaeologists have found in gravesites during the 3,000-1,500 B.C. period pieces of decorative bronze among the deceased. Finding bronze pieces, such as cups, jewelry, and weapons among the deceased means that these were important for people during their time period.
[1] Mohen, Jean-Pierre and Christiane Eluere. 2000 The Bronze Age in Europe. New York: Harry N, Abrams Inc. Publishing.
Written by Alex Boyce, 2003