introduced into Europe, can only be discussed after we have treated of the distribution of copper and of tin.
The Distribution of Copper Ores.
Copper is supposed by Pliny to have derived its name from Cyprus,[1] where it is said to have been first mined, and whence the Romans obtained the greater part of their supply (œs Cyprium). It is to be found in nearly every country in Europe, and it must have attracted attention in the earliest ages, from the beautiful green, blue, and red colours of its ores. In Britain it occurs in many places; in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, in Derbyshire and Cheshire, in Yorkshire, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and in Wales.
It has been worked in this country in very remote times. The Hon. W. Owen Stanley[2] records the discovery of "two mining tools or picks" in an old mine near Llandudno, in North Wales, along with stone hammers made of large rounded pebbles, with grooves cut round them for the reception of a handle of osier.
- ↑ It is quite as likely that Cyprus may have been derived from copper, and it is very improbable that the German Kupfer is derived from Cyprus. The Germanic peoples were acquainted with copper long before they were brought within reach of the Mediterranean civilisation, probably while they were yet in Central Asia, Pliny's derivation is probably merely suggested by the resemblance between the words copper and Cyprus, which may be as misleading as that of the town of Bridgewater, from the bridge over the water (the Parrett), instead of from Burgh and Walter, the burg of Walter, Walter de Burgh.
- ↑ Archeol. Journ. vii. 68.
that they have been used up in subsequent ages for the manufacture of bronze. (Primitive Warfare, Journ. United Service Inst. xiii.)
Mr. Evans holds the view expressed in the text, Congr. Int. Préhist. Arcéol, Buda-Pesth vol., 1877, p. 234.
