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Why was Transcaucasia an early center of bronze working?

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Snow-covered peaks and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia stretch across the landscape under a pale sky. — Caucasus Caucasus Mountains in Russia.

Transcaucasia was considered an early center of metallurgy primarily due to its abundant natural resources, which provided the essential raw materials for Bronze Age production.12

The region’s geological composition, characterized by magmatic rocks thrust up from deep within the crust, contains significant deposits of metallic ores. Specifically, copper and molybdenum are found throughout the Transcaucasian upland, while other metallic ores are present in the Greater Caucasus. This geological wealth allowed local cultures to develop sophisticated metalworking techniques early in history.132

By the start of the 3rd millennium BCE, these resources supported the emergence of advanced cultures, such as the South Caucasian or Kura-Aras culture, which were noted for their rich metalwork. Archaeological findings, particularly in burial mounds like those in the Trialeti district of central Georgia, have revealed finely wrought vessels and other objects that demonstrate the high level of skill achieved by these early societies.42