An Egyptian alchemist named Zosimos was the first to find pure gold (24 centuries before Columbus reached the Americas). The gold discovery is associated with the ancient Egyptians, who made jewelry out of gold. It was at a time when other metals were scarce and valuable.
The known history of gold goes back a long way, so far back that, according to the National Mining Association, it was first used by cultures in modern day Eastern Europe in 4000 BC to make decorative objects.
By all accounts, the first civilization to mine and use gold were the ancient Egyptians. Artifacts recovered over the centuries lead scientists and historians alike to agree that the Egyptians first began mining gold in 5000 BCE, before developing written language. Ancient Egyptians considered gold to be the skin of the gods and associated it with immortality and power.
Gold was first discovered as shining, yellow nuggets. and gold was first discovered in its natural state, in streams all over the world. No doubt it was the first metal known to early hominids. Gold became a part of every human culture.
The name Gold is Anglo Saxon, gold originated from the Latin Aurum, or shining dawn, and previously from the Greek. “to shine, to gleam; to be yellow.” Gold is the only naturally yellow metal, so ancient civilizations named it after its stunning color.
Gold has always played an important role in the economic and cultural significance in the history of the world which dates back to 4000 BC, that’s more than thousands of years from the ancient periods.
Gold artifacts and jewelry was discovered from inside the pyramids in Egypt, it was thought to be the skin of gods by the ancient Egyptians.
The classic civilization of Romans also heavily emphasized the significance of the economic value of gold, and it was used as a medium of exchange.
European Nobles and monarchs used gold to display power and wealth, they adorned themselves with gold ornaments. Gold was one of the main reasons of the Spanish invasion of several civilization in the 16th century, gold has been the most highly valued and sort after precious metal in the documented history of the world, it has always been a marker for prestige, wealth and power
Classical Civilizations: Gold was highly prized in ancient Greece and Rome. It was used for jewelry, coins, and decorative arts. They believed that gold was a symbol of divine authority and used it to create elaborate temple decorations.
Medieval Period: Gold continued to hold cultural and economic significance during the Middle Ages. European kings and queens all adorned themselves with gold jewelry and it was gold that displayed their wealth and power especially the Byzantine Empire, was known for its intricate gold jewelry and mosaics.
Gold in the Americas: Pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, also valued gold. It held significance religious and ceremonial attribute, The objects made from gold were used in rituals and as offerings to gods. The Spanish invadors, plundered civilizations during the 16th century, driven by their desire for gold.
Gold Rushes: The discovery of gold in various parts of the world sparked gold rushes and significant migrations of people seeking fortune. One of the most famous gold rushes was the California Gold Rush in the United States, which began in 1848 and attracted people from around the world.
Gold Standards: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many countries adopted the gold standard, where the value of their currencies was pegged to a specific amount of gold. A monetary standard made the world economy possible. The concept of money, (i.e., gold and silver in standard weight and fineness coins) allowed the World’s economies to expand and prosper. This system provided stability and facilitated international trade. However, most countries abandoned the gold standard during the 20th century in favor of fiat currencies.
Modern Gold Market: Today, gold continues to be highly valued and sought after precious metal, It is used for jewelry, investment purposes, and industrial applications. The gold market operates globally, with gold being traded on various exchanges and markets.
Throughout history, gold has symbolized wealth, power, and prestige. It has been used as a form of currency, a medium of exchange, and a store of value. Its scarcity, durability, and beauty have made it a prized metal throughout different civilizations and time periods. Gold has several qualities that have made it exceptionally valuable throughout history. It is attractive in colour and brightness, durable to the point of virtual indestructibility, highly malleable, and usually found in nature in a comparatively pure form.