Copper was first used in regions that are now Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, and later in the Indian subcontinent, between 8,000 and 5,000 B.C.
Early humans discovered the useful properties of copper and began utilizing it for various purposes. Archaeological finds indicate that these regions were central to the initial adoption and processing of copper. The early use of copper marked a significant step in human technological advancement, paving the way for the Bronze Age.
The areas specifically where copper was initially worked and used can be more accurately described as:
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Turkey: Anatolia, a region in modern-day Turkey, is believed to be one of the earliest centers for copper metallurgy.
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Iran: The Iranian plateau also shows signs of early copper usage.
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Iraq: Mesopotamia, the region encompassing modern-day Iraq, had early copper workings as well.
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Indian subcontinent: Toward the later part of the period (5,000 B.C.), copper use emerged in the Indian subcontinent.
These locations provided the necessary resources and knowledge for early humans to begin experimenting with and eventually mastering the use of copper.