The history of steelmaking from the beginning of iron smelting by Hittites around 3400 years ago is discussed. Steel was used both for weapons and domestic applications; and tech-niques were improved by succeeding civilizations, i.e., the forging of composite sword blades in Egypt, and the invention of the blast furnace in the fourteenth century. The Industrial Revolution in Great Britain saw the introduction of modern steelmaking practices by Huntsman, Cort and Bessemer. A description of current techniques and uses of steel is included. -- AATA