Scientists have recently discovered “cosmic metals” in treasures dating back 3000 years.
The Villena Treasure, containing 59 gilded objects, was discovered in 1963 on the Iberian Peninsula. Analysis of the treasure has now revealed that two items in the collection contain remnants of “extraterrestrial” substance – meteoric iron. Meteoric iron is an interplanetary disk from the early period of the universe, found in iron and nickel meteorites. The “extraterrestrial” material was found in a gilded cap and bracelet from the treasure. The cap contains 5.5% meteoric iron, while the bracelet contains only 2.8%. Scientists estimate that the material comes from a meteorite that struck the Earth a million years ago.
It is believed that fallen meteorites were often used to create objects thousands of years ago, similar to a similar artifact discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb. About 90% of the remaining treasure, which likely belonged to the entire community rather than just one royal family, was made of 23.5-carat gold. Ignacio Montero Ruiz, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Institute of History in Spain, said to Live Science: “Iron technology is completely different from copper and noble metals (gold and silver). People who began working with meteoric iron and then with terrestrial iron had to innovate and develop new technology. However, nickel levels in Earthly iron are usually low or very low, and often undetectable in analysis.”
The discovery of these cosmic metals in an ancient treasure highlights the innovation and technological potential of ancient people. We learn that the preservation and transmission of knowledge in metalworking was a key factor, demonstrating that ancient communities had significant knowledge of working with meteoric iron. This discovery opens new doors for better understanding the technological development of ancient civilizations.
Frequently Asked Questions based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is meteoric iron?
Meteoric iron is an interplanetary disk from the early period of the universe, found in iron and nickel meteorites.
2. Where were the “cosmic metals” found?
The “cosmic metals” were found in the Villena Treasure, which was discovered on the Iberian Peninsula.
3. Which objects contain the extraterrestrial substance?
The extraterrestrial substance is present in the gilded cap and bracelet from the Villena Treasure.
4. What samples of meteoric iron were found in these objects?
The cap contains 5.5% meteoric iron, and the bracelet contains 2.8% meteoric iron.
5. Where does this extraterrestrial material come from?
Scientists estimate that the extraterrestrial material in the cap and bracelet comes from a meteorite that struck the Earth a million years ago.
6. How often were fallen meteorites used in ancient times to create objects?
It is assumed that fallen meteorites were often used to create objects thousands of years ago.
7. What role did meteoric iron play in the technological development of ancient communities?
The discovery of meteoric iron in an ancient treasure highlights the innovation and technological potential of ancient people. It also demonstrates significant knowledge of working with this material.
8. What does the discovery of “cosmic metals” open for researchers?
The discovery of “cosmic metals” opens new doors for better understanding the technological development of ancient civilizations.
Sample related links:
– News about a silver meteorite
– NASA website
– British Museum’s website
The source of the article is from the blog revistatenerife.com