Archaeologists have found many ancient artifacts made from asteroid material, including tools, weapons, and jewellery. These artifacts were made from iron meteorites that fell to Earth from space.
Examples of artifacts made from asteroid material.
Iron Beads:
- Origin & Date: Excavated from an Egyptian tomb in 1911, these beads are estimated to be around 5,000 years old, placing them within the early dynastic period of Egypt.
- Composition: Made from iron meteorites, which are composed primarily of iron with varying amounts of nickel. The presence of nickel is a key indicator of their meteoric origin, as terrestrial iron ores rarely contain such high nickel concentrations.
- Significance: These beads provide evidence that ancient Egyptians recognized the unique properties of meteoric iron and valued it for its rarity and celestial connection. The beads likely held both symbolic and decorative significance, possibly representing stars or the cosmos.
Iron Axes:
- Origin & Date: Several iron axes from Shang dynasty China (circa 1400 BC) have been confirmed to be of meteoric origin.
- Composition: Similar to the beads, these axes are composed of meteoric iron with a significant nickel content.
- Significance: The discovery of these axes challenges the traditional timeline of iron metallurgy in China. It suggests that the use of meteoric iron predates the widespread smelting of terrestrial iron ores, highlighting the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in utilizing available resources.
Tutankhamun’s Dagger, Bracelet, and Headrest:
- Origin & Date: These artifacts were found within the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun (circa 1350 BC).
- Composition: The dagger, in particular, has been extensively studied and confirmed to be made from meteoric iron with a high nickel content. The bracelet and headrest are also believed to be of meteoric origin, though less research has been conducted on these items.
- Significance: Tutankhamun’s dagger is perhaps the most famous example of an ancient artifact made from meteoric iron. Its exquisite craftsmanship and celestial origin underscore the high value placed on such materials by the ancient Egyptians. The presence of these artifacts within a royal tomb suggests that meteoric iron was associated with power, prestige, and possibly divine connections.
Alacahoyuk Dagger:
- Origin & Date: Excavated from a royal tomb in Alacahoyuk, Turkey, this dagger dates back to around 2500 BC.
- Composition: Analysis has confirmed that the dagger is made from meteoric iron.
- Significance: This dagger, like the other artifacts, highlights the widespread use of meteoric iron in the ancient world. Its presence in a royal tomb in Anatolia further emphasizes the value and prestige associated with such materials.
Bronze Age Tools:
- Origin & Date: Various tools made from meteoric iron have been found in regions of Syria, Turkey, and Egypt, dating back to the Bronze Age.
- Composition: These tools are typically composed of meteoric iron, often with distinctive patterns or Widmanstätten structures that are characteristic of iron meteorites.
- Significance: The discovery of these tools suggests that meteoric iron was not only used for ceremonial or prestigious objects but also for practical purposes. It indicates that ancient civilizations recognized the superior properties of meteoric iron for toolmaking, even before the development of iron smelting technology.
Why did ancient humans use asteroid material?
The primary reason for the use of meteoric iron in ancient times was the lack of technology to smelt iron from terrestrial ores. Meteoric iron was readily available and recognizable due to its unique composition and appearance. It provided a source of high-quality iron that could be easily worked into tools, weapons, and ornaments. Additionally, the celestial origin of meteoric iron likely imbued it with symbolic and spiritual significance, making it even more desirable for ancient cultures.