This episode of Birth of Europe chronicles the evolution of modern man through the Bronze Age. The collision of the continents and resulting mountains trapped metal resources. Once humankind discovered these metals and learned how to use them, a revolution occurred in society. These metals provided the means to make better and more efficient tools for all aspects of life-including warfare. Using specific incidences and examples, discuss humanity's weakness in the face of nature.
Mountains are a distinctive feature of European topography.
Discuss how the mountains of Europe were formed, and how these mountains have influenced European history and culture. The discovery of metal changed humankind's lifestyles. Discuss how this discovery transformed humans and their societies. Gold cannot be eaten, cannot provide shelter or warmth and because of its softness, is a poor metal for tool making. Yet it is one of the world's most precious metals and one on which currency is based.