The Tin Route

About

The Tin Route was a crucial historical trade route that connected tin-producing regions, such as Cornwall and Iberia, with the Mediterranean and beyond. Tin was essential for producing bronze, a metal alloy that significantly advanced ancient civilizations. The route's significance grew as demand for bronze increased in the Near East around 2800 BCE. Early bronze production often involved arsenic, but once the health risks were recognized, the search for tin intensified. Tin from Cornwall and other European sources was traded to the Mediterranean through a network of land and sea routes. Archaeological evidence, including hillforts and shipwrecks like the Uluburun, supports the existence of these trade networks. The Tin Route played a vital role in linking Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean, facilitating cultural and technological exchanges that shaped ancient societies. Despite its importance, direct evidence of specific routes remains limited, but the impact of tin trade on ancient civilizations is undeniable.