The Copper Age
The copper age occurred at different times around the globe, however it traditionally started around 5,000 BC in the Carpathian Basin in Eastern Europe. It is considered to be an early part of the Bronze Age, it being the period before the process of adding tin to copper to make bronze was known. Copper was a huge leap from the traditional stone and wooden weapons, and during this period maces were in high demand. Although copper could be sharpened much more easily then previous weapons, it did not hold its edge for long. However, these tools were considered more effective than the stone weapons of the Neolithic man. Most importantly, this age led to the discovery of bronze, which was both more durable and more effective in its job.