16. Copper Ingot

Trade in Metals. The word Cyprus derives from the Greek for Copper and during the Roman period Cyprus provided nearly all the worlds copper. The sophistication of the production can be seen in the shape – called ox-hide shape-  for easy transport, of this 3000 year old ingot. It weighs 37Kg. Evidence for ox hide ingots of this era has been found from Bulgaria to Mesopotamia. The shape allows two men to easily carry it via the handles.