One of the rarest metals, has garnered a unique place in human experience. A common image in myths and legends, this metal has symbolized immortality, the divine, and prosperity.
Prehistoric man probably first found gold on the ground. The first known use of occurs in Central and Eastern Europe as early as 4000 BC. Highly sophisticated art and jewelry have been found in the Sumerian Royal tombs (now Southern Iraq) dating back to around 3000 BC. Goldsmiths in Peru were making gold ornaments by 1200 BC. In ancient times, Egypt produced 80% of the world’s AU and invented mining. They colonized Nubia for its gold; and for good reason, the Nubian mines produced over 4 million pounds of of this mineral.
Status
Traditionally this metal been a sign of status and rank and thus, its use was commonly limited to certain members of society. In Sumeria (modern-day Iraq), only royalty could be buried with golden ornaments. In Egypt initially only the pharaoh (and gods) owned all the gold. In ancient Roman times, there were laws establishing who could wear gold rings. For the Inca, the Imperial Ruler controlled the supply and distributed it only to nobles for distinguished service. And from 1700-1900, the Asante in Africa had vast amounts, but only the King and officials were able to wear jewelry fashioned from this metal.
Immortality
Unlike other metals, gold is incorruptible. Silver tarnishes, iron rusts, copper turns green. But gold remains the same. This inherent property is probably partly why many cultures independently associated this metal with immortality. An ancient Greek poet described it as “a child of Zeus (chief god), neither moth nor rust devour it.”
In the Middle Ages, alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold, as well as find a way to prolong human life and cure all diseases through this rare metal. Even today, it is considered by some to be essential in easing arthritis pain and promoting health and longevity.
Spiritual Meanings
This rare and beautiful metal had spiritual significance to many civilizations. The Inca associated it with the solar god, Inti. To the Sumerians, this yellow metal was divine and was used to make the sacred instruments in their temples. Hindu texts call gold the seed of Agni, the God of Fire (actually, the Hindu root for gold is Hri which means imperishable- another link between gold and immortality).
Source by Mark Z Wilson
A Cultural History of Gold
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