Around 1300 BC, Mediterranean civilizations experienced a significant shift with the widespread use of bronze, a crucial material whose rarity posed the "tin problem." Researchers discovered that tin, essential for creating bronze, was sourced from Cornwall and Devon, indicating that it was traded extensively across Europe. This breakthrough reshapes our understanding of Britain's role in global trade during the Bronze Age, revealing a complex network of economic exchanges that supported advanced civilizations over 4,000 km away. The study employed advanced scientific analyses on artefacts and shipwrecks, underscoring the impact of Britain's resources on ancient societies.
The identification of the trade network radically transforms our understanding of bronze age Britain's place in the wider world, indicating their significant role in the Mediterranean.
This is the first commodity to be exported across the entire continent in British history, showcasing Britain's early influence in trade networks.
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