The Valuable Commodity Behind King Solomon's Wealth (Video)
In the quest to uncover the source of King Solomon's fabled riches, archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in the arid landscapes of southern Israel, near Timna. These ancient mining sites, dating back 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon, provide valuable insights into the origin of his wealth. While not the glittering gold or silver that one might expect, the key to Solomon's fortune lies hidden in the telltale green streaks within the rocks - copper.
The remnants of this thriving copper industry are strewn across the site, with the black slag, a byproduct of copper smelting, serving as crucial evidence of the copper production in Timna. In the context of that era, copper was an economic powerhouse, much like today's crude oil. It was an indispensable resource, essential for crafting tools and weapons, marking a significant turning point in human history. Through a laborious process, our ancestors transformed copper ore into pure metal through smelting, involving the relentless effort of artisans who blew oxygen into fires, achieving temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Could this mine, dating back to a time when copper could be more precious than gold, explain Solomon’s legendary riches?
- As Wise as Solomon: The Powerful King Who Magically Ruled Israel
- King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs - Part I
Top image: Copper was central to King Solomon’s wealth. Source: PhotoGranary / Adobe Stock.
