Chalcolithic

/kælkəˈlɪθɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the Chalcolithic Period, a transitional archaeological era between the Stone Age and Bronze Age when both stone and copper tools were used.

Etymology

From Greek 'chalkos' (copper) plus 'lithos' (stone), literally 'copper stone' period. This term describes the unique cultural moment when humans first began working copper but hadn't yet mastered bronze.

Kelly Says

The Chalcolithic Period (around 6500-3300 BCE) saw the birth of metal-working—humans discovered they could hammer copper into tools and weapons. But bronze was so much better that this period is often overshadowed, making it archaeology's forgotten age.

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