Question

Почему древние египтяне называли железо "небесным металлом"

Answer 1

Одни из наиболее древних изделий из железа, найденные в Египте, сделаны из метеоритного железа. Видимо, первоначальным источником железа у них, до открытия руд, были именно метеориты. Вот отсюда и "небесный металл".

Answer 2

Ancient Egyptians and Iron as the "Metal of Heaven"

The ancient Egyptians referred to iron as the "metal of heaven." This term likely originated from their belief that iron had celestial origins or was associated with the gods and the heavens. Iron was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians for its strength, durability, and usefulness in various applications, such as tools, weapons, and jewelry.

Iron was a relatively rare and precious metal in ancient Egypt, as it required advanced metallurgical techniques to extract and process. The Egyptians primarily obtained iron through trade with other civilizations, such as the Hittites and the Mesopotamians. Iron objects were considered valuable and were often associated with power and prestige.

The ancient Egyptians also believed in the concept of ma'at, which represented the cosmic order and balance in the world. Iron, being a strong and durable metal, may have been seen as a symbol of stability and order, aligning with the principles of ma'at. This could have contributed to the association of iron with the heavens and the divine.

It's important to note that while the term "metal of heaven" is commonly used to describe iron in ancient Egyptian culture, the exact reasons behind this designation may vary and are subject to interpretation. The belief systems and cultural practices of ancient civilizations can be complex and multifaceted, and the specific reasons for the association between iron and the heavens may have varied among different regions and time periods within ancient Egypt.