By around 5,000 BC, kilns were used for firing ceramics. This development permitted the control of heat used in the firing. Kilns were also adapted for use in metal work. One advantage to using the kiln in metallurgy was that it allowed for larger amounts of metal to be smelted. The use of the kiln also permitted the creation of larger metal objects.

After the development of kiln work, there followed a period of experimentation in which people attempted to strengthen the objects they were creating. As the objects grew in size, the need to have them withstand the pressure of their enlarged form grew. Different metals, such as lead and arsenic were alloyed, or mixed, into the copper. This combination of metals lowered the required melting temperature, and increased the flow and strength.

It was around 3,000 BC that early forms of bronze casting are first recorded. During this period, it is generally agreed that bronze was created from an alloy of 90% copper and 10% tin. This is about the same ratio of copper to tin used today in the creation of bronze.

Because of its strength, bronze became the preferred material for the manufacture of tools and weapons. It was a common material for creating implements of decoration and worship, and was generally considered a sign of wealth. The expense of time and materials limited the ownership of bronze to the well to do; common people continued to utilize found materials such as stone, antler and wood. The use of bronze remained in force until the advent of the Iron Age around 1,000 BC. Iron, it was discovered, was easier to produce than bronze because it is found in natural abundance. Iron is also stronger and more resilient than bronze. It became the preferred material for creating tools and weapons.