The "old iron," referring to the beginning of the Iron Age, varies depending on the geographical location, but it began approximately 1200 BCE in the Middle East and southeastern Europe and around 600 BCE in China.
The Iron Age marks a significant period in human history when iron became the primary metal for tools and weapons, largely replacing bronze. The specific timing of this transition differed across various regions due to factors such as access to iron ore, technological advancements, and cultural developments.
Here's a breakdown:
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Middle East and Southeastern Europe: The Iron Age started around 1200 BCE. This region saw early adoption and widespread use of iron.
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China: The Iron Age began much later, around 600 BCE.
Therefore, the answer to "How old is the old iron?" is complex because it depends on the region. However, we can say it is somewhere between approximately 3224 years old (present date minus 1200 BCE) and 2624 years old (present date minus 600 BCE).