When humans first learned how to work with metal, the very first metal they probably used was copper.

Copper was easy to shape, easy to find, and relatively abundant.

Since those early humans began using copper, usage of the metal hasn't diminished.

It's just that the modern uses of copper are for purposes that the ancients never could have imagined.

Learn more about copper, and its many uses throughout history, on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. With Lloyd's Bank ready-made investments you choose a risk level that feels right for you, from cautious to progressive,

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As I've mentioned before in previous episodes, there were seven metals known in the ancient world.

Gold, silver, lead, tin, iron, mercury, and copper.

And today is copper's turn in the spallow. Iron, Mercury, and Copper.

And today is Copper's turn in the spotlight.

Of the seven metals that ancient people were aware of, Copper was probably the first.

And if it wasn't Copper, it was probably the much rarer gold or iron which came from meteorites.

There are several reasons why copper was probably the first metal.

First, unlike most metals, copper can be found in its native form similar to gold.

While it can be found in oxides and other compounds,

it's also possible to find pure copper.

Second is that copper is very malleable and has a low melting

point. That meant that early humans could take a hug of copper ore and beat it into

...