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====Early Use of Gold====[[File:Or de Varna - Nécropole.jpg|thumbnail|left|200px|Figure 2. A burial of a high status individual at Varna Necropolis; this individual stands out from among the graves and seems to have a substantial amount of gold compared to other graves.]]One of the oldest known uses of gold appears to be in Bulgaria, from a site that is called Varna Necropolis or Varna Cemetery, which dates to around 4600 BC.<ref>For detailed information about the Varna Necropolis, see: Ivanov, Ivan Simeonov, and Mai︠a︡ Avramova, eds. 2000. ''Varna Necropolis: The Dawn of European Civilization''. Treasures of Bulgaria 1. Sofia: Agatʹo Publ.</ref> The site is a burial ground were a number of gold artifacts were found to be in burial contexts associated with a variety of individuals. Surprisingly, out of the more than 200 graves found, many of them contained gold and other metal finds (primarily copper; Figure 1). This indicates a society that had already developed a strong affinity toward gold , and it became a status object for many members of society. However, we also begin to see that not all individuals were treated equally. One individual seemed to have far more gold buried with him, with objects including a gold mace, jewelry, and even a penis sheath made of gold (Figure 2). This could indicate that this society had begun to develop a type of chiefdom society, where one individual did accumulate more power than others and consequently have more gold than the other graves.

[[File:Or de Varna - NécropoleHowever, we also begin to see that not all individuals were treated equally.jpg|thumbnail|left|300px|Figure 2. A burial of a high status One individual at Varna Necropolis; this individual stands out from among the graves and seems seemed to have far more gold buried with him, with objects including a substantial amount of gold compared to other graves.]]In the southern Levantmace, jewelry, and even a cave in the area penis sheath made of Nahal Qanah contained eight artifacts from a burial context gold (Figure 2). This could indicate that suggests this society had begun to develop a type of elite burial ground could have been established by the 4th millennium BC. These gold objects were in the form of gold rings. In factchiefdom society, the find suggests gold could where one individual did accumulate more power than others and consequently have already become the privy of the most elite in society. <ref>For more information about gold than the Nahal Qanah cave, see: Gopher, Avi, Tseviḳah Tsuḳ, and I. Carmi. 1996. ''The Naḥal Qanah Cave: Earliest Gold in the Southern Levant''. Monograph Series / Tel Aviv University, Sonia and Marco Nadler ''Institute of Archaeology'', no. 12. Tel Aviv: Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University Publications Sectionother graves.</ref>

What In the finds at southern Levant, a cave in Nahal Qanah and Varna Necropolis show is that early contained eight artifacts from gold's history it had already become an object a burial context that differentiated wealth and status in societies. In fact, we can say that gold seems to be associated with hierarchy, different levels of power, and different access of wealth at its inception of use. Clearly this relates to the traits of its beauty and rarity, although it is one of the only types of elements we known that seems to have these cultural attributes true for suggests a large number type of societies. Perhaps, though, there are differences in its view, as seen by these early societies. For instance, the finds in the south Levant showed that gold was even more restricted, suggesting it may elite burial ground could have only been accessed established by the most elite members of society4th millennium BC. In both in the Bulgaria and south Levant cases, These gold was found objects were in the form of body jewellery; in the majority of early finds of gold known, in rings. In fact, the find suggests gold was often associated as a body adornment, whether for could have already become the living or privy of the deadmost elite in society. <ref>For more information on the analysis of about the Nahal Qanah findscave, see: Shalev Gopher, Avi, Tseviḳah Tsuḳ, Sarieland I. Carmi. 19951996. “Metals ''The Naḥal Qanah Cave: Earliest Gold in Ancient Israel: Archaeological Interperetation of Chemical Analysisthe Southern Levant''.” Monograph Series / Tel Aviv University, Sonia and Marco Nadler ''Israel Journal Institute of Chemistry 35Archaeology'' (2), no. 12. Tel Aviv: 109–16Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University Publications Section.</ref> This suggests gold, at the very least, was an element intended for display, whether to the living or to the dead, and can be considered a type of showing off perhaps, to impress others, the gods, or even spirits.

In Egypt What the finds at Nahal Qanah and Mesopotamia, the two main regions where Varna Necropolis show is that early urban cultures developed, from gold was used by the 5th millennium BC. In Egypt, significant mining was likely 's history it had already taking place in areas where gold deposits were commonly found, mainly in areas of southern Egypt and Nubia. <ref>For more information about gold mining and gold in Egypt, see: Klemm, Rosemarie, and Dietrich Klemm. 2013. ''Gold and Gold Mining in Ancient Egypt become an object that differentiated wealth and Nubia: Geoarchaeology of the Ancient Gold Mining Sites status in the Egyptian and Sudanese Eastern Deserts''societies. New York: Springer.</ref> In Mesopotamia, the first gold appears in the 5th millennium BC during the Ubaid period. We begin to get references to gold in texts by the 3rd millennium BCfact, showing it becoming an important object for imports. What early texts also show is we can say that states had a large control of the gold trade, although it was not exclusive seems to states. Nevertheless, gold became mostly be associated with priests/temples and royalty. Private households also traded gold and often did attempt to acquire it as an important long-term holdinghierarchy, but rarely was gold buried by private houses with graves (i.e.different levels of power, it was probably far too valuable for common households and different access to remove this item from their wealth). <ref>For examples at its inception of how gold was possibly used by households in ancient Mesopotamia, see: Nemet-Nejat, Karen Rheause. 1998. ''Daily Life in Ancient Mesopotamia''. The Greenwood Press “Daily Life through History” Series. WestportClearly, Conn: Greenwood Press, pg. 123.</ref> Gold, for private households, becomes a way for families this relates to preserve and pass on wealth, given the traits of its great value beauty and non-perishable nature.[[File:Peru Zeremonialmesser Sican EthnM.jpg|thumbnail|Figure 3. A ceremonial knife from Peru, dated to 850-1500 AD, showing that gold developed independently in the New World. ]]In many cases, where gold has been discoveredrarity, although it was found as an alloy with silver (i.e., electrum). At times, gold was also alloyed with lead, indicating that pure gold was generally more rare.<ref>For more information about gold in Mesopotamia, see: Leick, Gwendolyn. 2010. Historical Dictionary of Mesopotamia. 2nd ed. Historical Dictionaries is one of Ancient Civilizations and Historical Eras, no. 26. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, pg. 79.</ref> In fact, in addition to providing extra strength, alloys also allow the one to utilize more only types of gold find elements we have known that seems to create larger objects that look like gold. This gives an appearance have these cultural attributes true for a large number of an even larger gold objectsocieties.

By the Perhaps, though, there are differences in its view, as seen by these early 3rd millennium BCsocieties. For instance, gold becomes symbolic with royal authority the finds in Egypt. One has to remember the Great Pyramidsouth Levant showed that gold was even more restricted, suggesting the most elite members of society may have only accessed it. In both Bulgaria and other pyramidsthe south Levant cases, were adorned with gold, was found in particular the top part form of body jewelry; in the pyramid was likely made majority of early finds of gold so that it could shine at a great distance. In partknown, for Egyptin fact, the shine of gold resembled was often associated as body adornment, whether for the sun's shinning characteristics, representing living or the chief god Ra for Egyptiansdead.<ref>For more description information on the qualities analysis of gold and its association with Rathe Nahal Qanah finds, see: PerlShalev, Leila, and Erika WellsSariel. 19881995. “Metals in Ancient Israel: Archaeological Interpretation of Chemical Analysis.” ''Mummies, Tombs and Treasure : Secrets Israel Journal of Ancient EgyptChemistry 35''. London (2): Hodder and Stoughton109–16. </ref>This suggests gold, at the very least, was an element intended for display, whether to the living or the dead, and can be considered a type of showing off perhaps, to impress others, the gods, or even spirits.

In Egypt and Mesopotamia, the two main regions where early urban cultures developed, gold was used by the 5th millennium BC. In Egypt, significant mining was likely already taking place in areas where gold deposits were commonly found, mainly in southern Egypt and Nubia. <ref>For more information about gold mining and gold in Egypt, see: Klemm, Rosemarie, and Dietrich Klemm. 2013. ''Gold and Gold Mining in Ancient Egypt and Nubia: Geoarchaeology of the Ancient Gold Mining Sites in the Egyptian and Sudanese Eastern Deserts''. New York: Springer.</ref>  In Mesopotamia, the first gold appears in the 5th millennium BC during the Ubaid period. We begin to get references to gold in texts by the 3rd millennium BC, showing it becoming an important object for imports. What early texts also show is that states had a large control of the gold trade, although it was not exclusive to states. Nevertheless, gold became mostly associated with priests/temples and royalty.  Private households also traded gold and often attempted to acquire it as an important long-term holding, but rarely was gold buried by private houses with graves (i.e., it was probably far too valuable for common households to remove this item from their wealth). <ref>For examples of how households possibly used golds in ancient Mesopotamia, see: Nemet-Nejat, Karen Rhea. 1998. ''Daily Life in Ancient Mesopotamia''. The Greenwood Press “Daily Life through History” Series. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, pg. 123.</ref> Gold, for private households, becomes a way for families to preserve and pass on wealth, given its great value and non-perishable nature.[[File:Peru Zeremonialmesser Sican EthnM.jpg|thumbnail|200px|left|Figure 3. A ceremonial knife from Peru, dated to 850-1500 AD, showing that gold developed independently in the New World. ]] In many cases, where gold has been discovered, it was found as an alloy with silver (i.e., electrum). At times, gold was also alloyed with lead, indicating that pure gold was generally rarer.<ref>For more information about gold in Mesopotamia, see: Leick, Gwendolyn. 2010. Historical Dictionary of Mesopotamia. 2nd ed. Historical Dictionaries of Ancient Civilizations and Historical Eras, no. 26. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, pg. 79.</ref> In fact, in addition to providing extra strength, alloys also allow the one to utilize more of gold find to create larger objects that look like gold. This gives an appearance of an even larger gold object.  By the early 3rd millennium BC, gold becomes symbolic with royal authority in Egypt. One has to remember the Great Pyramid, and other pyramids, were adorned with gold, in particular, the top part of the pyramid was likely made of gold so that it could shine at a great distance. In part, for Egypt, the shine of gold resembled the sun's shining characteristics, representing the chief god Ra for Egyptians.<ref>For more description on the qualities of gold and its association with Ra, see: Perl, Leila, and Erika Wells. 1988. ''Mummies, Tombs and Treasure : Secrets of Ancient Egypt''. London : Hodder and Stoughton. </ref> To obtain more gold for both domestic consumption and trade, expeditions became organized by the royal authorities for mines containing gold. <ref>For more information about gold expeditions, see: Der Manuelian, Peter, and Thomas Schneider, eds. 2015. ''Towards a New History for the Egyptian Old Kingdom: Perspectives on the Pyramid Age''. Harvard Egyptological Studies, volume 1. Leiden ; Boston: Brill, pg. 445.</ref> In the Indus, by the 3rd millennium BC, and likely earlier, gold was also utilized extensively, reflecting its increased importance for elites and trade. Similar to Like other regions, gold was generally found as part of the electrum, which is also a natural alloy. <ref>For more information about gold in the Indus, see: McIntosh, Jane. 2008. ''The Ancient Indus Valley: New Perspectives. ABC-CLIO’s Understanding Ancient Civilizations Series''. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, pg. 145.</ref>

In the New World, the Andes region of the Andes, in Peru specifically, has the earliest dated gold finds, where objects date to around 2000 BC. Interestingly, these early gold finds are in the form of jewelry and found in a burial context, similar to the Old World discoveries. <ref> For more information about the earliest gold artefacts artifacts from Peru, see: Aldenderfer, M., N. M. Craig, R. J. Speakman, and R. Popelka-Filcoff. 2008. “Four-Thousand-Year-Old Gold Artifacts from the Lake Titicaca Basin, Southern Peru.” ''Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105'' (13): 5002–5. doi:10.1073/pnas.0710937105. </ref> This could suggest, similar to other regions, that as social hierarchy and stratification became established, gold was one object that differentiated the humans' status of humans within society. In other words, gold becomes associated with wealth and power soon after it begins to be used (Figure 3). <dh-ad/> ====Role in Society====In the cases where gold was found at relatively early dates, several characteristics are evident. For one, gold is often found in funerary contexts, suggesting it was both a status symbol in life and something to be taken to the next life. Interestingly, in many of the finds from the Old and New World indicate that gold, despite its rarity, was from its onset a way to display power in the afterlife and as a way to remind others of the power and prestige of the individual to members of society after they had passed away. <ref>Boyle, Robert W. 1987. ''Gold History and Genesis of Deposits''. Boston, MA: Springer US. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1969-6.</ref>  This concept continues when we see the development of state societies. Kingship, and by extension the state, begin to utilize gold more frequently for burials and in many of these cases it was a way to display power in the present and afterlife.  Perhaps this reflects the next life or afterlife similarly is characterized by social stratification. As social hierarchy developed in ancient societies, which seems to be true both in the New and Old Worlds, gold was common among societies that differentiated individuals in power and prestige. So in addition to being evident in the finds from Bulgaria and southern Levant, it is also evident in Egypt, Peru, and Mesopotamia, showing the diversity of cultures where this trait develops.

==Role in Society==[[File:Reconstructed sumerian headgear necklaces british museum.JPG|thumbnail|Figure 4. The gold headdress of Queen/Priestess Puabi. GoldNevertheless, by the 3rd millennium BC, had become associated there are key differences with royalty and the religious elite of society how gold was treated in Mesopotamia and Egyptearly societies.]] In the cases where ancient Near East, gold was found at relatively early dates, several characteristics are evident. For one, gold is often found in funerary contextsas jewelry with women, suggesting it was both a status symbol in life but also something to be taken to the next life. Interestingly, in many of the finds from the Old and New World indicate that women often wore gold, despite its rarity, was from its onset a way to display power in the afterlife and as a way to remind others of representing family wealth or were often the power and prestige of ones who literally wore the individual to members of society after they had passed awayfamily's wealth. <ref>BoyleFor further information on women in the ancient Near East society and wealth, see: Chavalas, Robert Mark W. 1987, ed. 2012. ''Gold History and Genesis of DepositsWomen in the Ancient Near East: A Sourcebook. Routledge Sourcebooks for the Ancient World''. Boston, MA: Springer US. httpLondon://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1969-6Routledge.</ref> This concept continues when we see the development of state societies. Kingship, and by extension the state, begin to utilize gold more frequently for burials and in many of these cases it was a way to display power in the present and afterlife.

Perhaps this reflects the next life or afterlife similarly is characterized by social stratificationOne can consider gold and women's jewelry as a repository of family wealth. In factThis could also be one reason why we find female burials often having large quantities of gold, as social hierarchy developed in ancient societies, which seems to be true both in not only did they literally carry the New and Old Worlds, gold was common among societies that differentiated individuals in power and prestigebut the family wealth is best shown off utilizing the female members. So in addition to being evident in For example, the finds burial of the Queen or Priestess of Puabi from Bulgaria and southern Levant, it the ancient city of Ur is also evident in Egypt, Peru, and Mesopotamia, showing the diversity one example of cultures where this trait develops(Figure 4).

NeverthelessBy the 3rd millennium BC, we begin to see gold having more of a trade value, there are key differences with how although very likely this occurred earlier. We see evidence of gold was treated being shipped in from distant regions, such as India or Anatolia, in early societiesplaces such as Mesopotamia. In the ancient Near East2nd millennium BC, when the trade in gold became more substantial in the eastern Mediterranean region, it is during this active time of trade that gold was often found as jewelry with womenbecomes a standard used to measure value of other commodities. In fact, suggesting women often wore gold as representing family wealth , between 1600-1200 BC or were often the ones who literally wore Late Bronze Age, was becoming the basis of value for many valuable objects now being traded between Central Asia and the family's wealthMediterranean, including metals such as tin and copper. <ref> For further more information on women in ancient Near East society and wealththe Late Bronze Age gold standard, see: ChavalasEdwards, Mark W.Iorwerth Eiddon Stephen, ed. 20122003. ''Women in History of the Ancient Near Middle East: A Sourcebookand the Aegean Region C. 1380 - 1000 B.C. Routledge Sourcebooks for the Ancient World''3. ed., 6. printing. The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. London2, Pt. 2. Cambridge: RoutledgeCambridge Univ. Press.</ref> One can consider gold and women's jewellery as a repository of the family wealth. This could also be one reason why we find female burials often having large quantities of gold, as not only did they literally carry the gold but the family wealth is best shown off utilizing the female members. For example, the burial of the Queen or Priestess of Puabi from the ancient city of Ur is one example of this (Figure 4).

It is also by the 3rd millennium BC that we begin to see gold having more of a trade value, although very likely this occurred earlier. We see evidence of gold being shipped in from distant regions, such as India or Anatolia, in places such as Mesopotamia. In the 2nd millennium BC, when the trade in gold became more substantial in the eastern Mediterranean region, it is during this active time of trade that gold becomes a standard used to measure value of other commodities. In fact, gold, between 1600-1200 BC or the Late Bronze Age, was becoming the basis of value for many valuable objects now being traded between Central Asia and the Mediterranean, including metals such as tin and copper. <ref> For more information on the Late Bronze Age gold standard, see: Edwards, Iorwerth Eiddon Stephen, ed. 2003. ''History of the Middle East and the Aegean Region C. 1380 - 1000 B.C.'' 3. ed., 6. printing. The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. 2, Pt. 2. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.</ref> However, this was a relatively exceptional period, as in most other Bronze Age periods , silver was considered the more common standard, given its greater prevalence. <ref>For a history of gold and its role in ancient societies, see: Bernstein, Peter L. 2004. The Power of Gold: The History of an Obsession. Illustrated ed. New York: Wiley. </ref>

====Evolution of Gold====During the 1st millennium BC, by around the 6th century BC in the Near East and eastern Mediterranean Hellenistic states, we begin to see coins now utilized with gold.<ref>For more on the evolution of early coins and gold coins, see: Leslie Kurke. 1999. Coins, Bodies, Games and Gold. The Politics of Meaning in Archaic Greece. Princeton: Princeton University Press.</ref> In fact, it is one of the first metals to be fashioned into coins, suggesting gold coins and coins i general were first intended for high value exchange. While this largely reflects gold’s role as an object utilized for trade and exchange, it now also shows royal authority was beginning to stamp gold with iconography as a way to show government-level backing. This derives from the concept of gold and royalty we had seen in the third millennium BC graves and other royal or high elite status. In effect, coinage and gold become established as the privy of the state <ref>For a history and presentation of types of ancient gold coins, see Friedberg, Arthur L., Ira S. Friedberg, and Robert Friedberg. 2003. ''Gold Coins of the World: From Ancient Times to the Present: An Illustrated Standard Catalogue with Valuations''. 7th ed. Clifton, N.J: Coin and Currency Institute.</ref>

EventuallyWhile this largely reflects gold’s role as an object utilized for trade and exchange, it now also shows royal authority was beginning to stamp gold with iconography as gold coins continue a way to be utilized, show government-level backing. This derives from the use of gold and how much gold in coins becomes standardized more substantially. The royalty concept accelerates we had seen in the late 1st third millennium BC across the Mediterranean worldgraves and other royal or high elite status. In effect, where coinage and gold is always become established as the top-level currency and can only be minted by the governments controlling a given region. This concept privy of gold currency continues into the Medieval world, in particular for Europe after the reemergence of states.state <ref>For example history and presentation of types of ancient gold and how it was used for currency in the Medieval Worldcoins, see: AllenFriedberg, MartinArthur L. 2012, Ira S. Mints Friedberg, and Money in Medieval EnglandRobert Friedberg. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press2003. </ref>. Arguably, one ''Gold Coins of the chief motivations for the Spanish conquests in the New World was gold and much of that became refashioned into gold-level currency used by : From Ancient Times to the governing bodies and banks of Spain after their conquestPresent: An Illustrated Standard Catalogue with Valuations''. 7th ed. Clifton, N. This helped launch Spain J: Coin and other European powers eventually into a global race not only for power but one can argue a race to accrue as much gold as possible, as it symbolized the new power of EuropeCurrency Institute. </ref>

What Eventually, as gold coins continue to be utilized, gold and how much gold in coins become standardized more substantially. The concept accelerates in the late 1st millennium BC across the Mediterranean world, where gold is always the top-level currency and can only be minted by the governments controlling a given region. This concept of gold currency continues into the Medieval world, in particular for Europe after the reemergence of states.<ref>For example of gold and how it was used for currency in the Medieval World, see: Allen, Martin. 2012. Mints and Money in Medieval England. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. </ref>  Arguably, one of the chief motivations for the Spanish conquests in the New World was gold. Much of that became refashioned into the gold-level currency used by Spain's governing bodies and banks after their conquest. This helped launch Spain and other European powers eventually into a global race for power, but one can argue a race to accrue as much gold as possible, as it symbolized Europe's new power.  The example shows is that gold had, very early, established itself as a metal distinct from all other metals. It quickly became a prestige good that changed media, such as in coinage, but the prestige continued irrespective of the media and the modern era. ====Conclusion====Gold can be seen to be something of great desire in many societies in the New and Old worlds (the Americas, Asia, and Africa). Despite the diversity of where gold was first found, at the onset, gold was seen as a way to differentiate the power of individuals in this life and the afterlife. This suggests the qualities of gold as being attractive to human societies seem almost universal or innate. Gold utilization in societies evolves as a basis for economies.  By the time currency or coins are used, gold becomes a high level standard that royal authority can only support and uses as a basis in economic exchange by placing the image of the king on currency. This begins to make gold as something to be controlled by state societies and their primary privy rather than that of common individuals. With the control of gold by governments, this begins to help standardize its value, and this concept continues into the modern era. In contrast, gold’s value and importance to society have only increased since ancient periods.

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