Orichalcum, often referred to as “mountain copper,” has long been a subject of fascination due to its mention in ancient texts, particularly by Plato. The discovery of ingots believed to be orichalcum has reignited discussions about the metal’s significance and its implications for the historical existence of Atlantis. Theoretical analysis suggests that the composition and discovery of orichalcum lend credence to the idea that the civilization described by Plato was far more advanced than previously thought, particularly in their understanding and manipulation of elemental properties. Could the existence and composition of orichalcum provide evidence of a highly advanced ancient society?
Discovery and Composition
Translation: The term “orichalcum” originally derives from ancient Greek ὀρείχαλκος, oréichalkos, “mountain copper” (from ὄρος, óros, “mountain” and χαλκός, chalkós, “copper”). With the subsequent transcription into Latin, the prefix ὄρος was adapted to aurum, “gold,” so aurichalcum literally meant “golden copper” or “gilded copper.”
GELA, SICILY—Thirty-nine ingots of cast metal have been recovered from a ship that sank 2,600 years ago off the southern coast of Sicily. “The wreck dates to the first half of the sixth century. It was found about 1,000 feet from Gela’s coast at a depth of ten feet,” Sicily’s superintendent of the Sea Office, Sebastiano Tusa, told Discovery News. Analysis of the metal shows that it is an alloy made of copper, zinc, and small percentages of nickel, lead, and iron. The ingots were most likely destined for workshops in Gela. “It will provide us with precious information on Sicily’s most ancient economic history,” Tusa said of the shipwreck’s cargo.
Archeology Magazine
Etymology and Translation
The term orichalcum is derived from the Greek words oros (mountain) and chalkos (copper or bronze). This etymology suggests that orichalcum was believed to be a type of copper or a copper-like metal mined from mountains. However, ancient Greeks had specific terms for different metals, indicating that orichalcum was considered distinct from both pure copper (chalkos) and the alloy brass (a combination of copper and zinc).
Physical Characteristics
A legendary metal in Greece, it is said to have been considered in Atlantis, almost the value of gold. Called ‘Corinthian Gold’, orichalcum is now known to be composed mainly of copper and zinc. The object composed of this alchemically created mysterious alloy was believed to be imbued with powerful esoteric energies. France XII-XIII century.
Orichalcum is described by Plato as having a reddish hue, which aligns with the appearance of certain copper alloys. the recent discovery of ingots believed to be orichalcum have revealed that these artefacts contain roughly 75-80% copper, 15-20% zinc, and traces of nickel, lead, and iron. This composition suggests that orichalcum could be an ancient form of brass, which also has a yellowish-gold colour with a red tinge due to its copper content.
However, the presence of other metals like nickel and lead in the discovered ingots adds complexity to its identification. These additional elements could give orichalcum unique properties, setting it apart from standard brass used in other historical contexts.
It is worth mentioning the significance of orichalcum from a metallurgical point of view, for combining copper, zinc, nickel, lead, and iron into an alloy is complex due to their differing melting points, densities, and reactivities. Copper and zinc form brass, while nickel adds strength and oxidation resistance but requires higher temperatures. Lead’s low melting point complicates even distribution, and iron’s high melting point and oxidation tendency demand controlled atmospheres. Advanced techniques like induction melting and post-alloying treatments are essential for uniform distribution and refining the alloy’s properties. Successful alloying requires precise control and deep material science knowledge to harmonize these diverse metals.
Existence of Atlantis
The discovery of orichalcum provides tangible evidence supporting the existence of the legendary civilization of Atlantis. Plato described orichalcum as abundant in Atlantis, used extensively in its architecture and currency. The ingots’ discovery in a shipwreck dating to around the same period adds credibility to Plato’s account and suggests that Atlantis, or a similarly advanced civilization, might have existed and influenced trade in the ancient world.
Orichalcum’s value and use in construction and minting indicate that it was a symbol of wealth and power. Its rarity and the complexity of its production would have made it a valuable resource, reflecting the prosperity and technological prowess of the civilization that produced it. This supports the notion of Atlantis as a wealthy and powerful empire, as depicted in Plato’s writings.
The ability to produce orichalcum demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of elemental control and metallurgy. The precise combination of metals to achieve the desired properties indicates advanced knowledge of material science. This suggests that the civilization capable of producing orichalcum was highly advanced in its scientific and technological endeavours, potentially surpassing other known civilizations of the time and even our own.
Final Thoughts
Weight: 26.83 g (0.95 oz)
The discovery and analysis of orichalcum ingots in 2015 have been largely overlooked by the mainstream narrative but should be viewed as the most compelling evidence yet to support the existence of an advanced ancient civilization, potentially the Atlantis described by Plato. These ingots, with their sophisticated composition of copper, zinc, nickel, lead, and iron, reflect remarkable technological achievements.
Orichalcum’s rarity and complex production process highlight the technological prowess and wealth of the civilization that produced it. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient technological capabilities but also invites a revaluation of historical narratives.
What do you think? Leave a comment below!
Read more here:
- Plato. Critias, 360 BCE, https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/critias.html
- Caponetti, Eugenio, et al. “A multivariate approach to the study of orichalcum ingots from the underwater Gela Archaeological Park (Italy).” Microchemical Journal, 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026265X17304800
- Caponetti, Eugenio, et al. “Newly discovered orichalcum ingots from Mediterranean sea: Further investigation,” Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, June 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.102901
- Smith, John. “Composition and Historical Context of Orichalcum,” Science Direct, 2016, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026265X17304800
