Archaeologists have traced the metallurgical treatment of ores for pure metal production to as early as 4000 B.C. Based on this early knowledge, extensive developments in metallurgy, both reduction and fabrication did occur from 3000 B.C. to 2500 B.C. This period developed brass and bronze alloys, and was able to coin both Au and Ag. The manufacture of Fe started about 1000 B.C. and culminated in the Pillar of Delhi and Fe temple beams about 1200 to 1400 A. D. During this late period India produced some excellent Wootz steels and from this product specialized in the fabrication of Eamascus swords. -- AATA