The earliest meteoritic iron artefact of the Chinese Bronze Age discovered at Sanxingdui, Southwest China

Key Points

• The artefact indicates early use of meteoritic iron in ancient metallurgy, dating back to the Bronze Age.
• Key evidence includes the physical characteristics of the artefact and its dating, now identified as one of the earliest.
• Analysis of archaeological layers at Sanxingdui shows extensive metallurgical activity during the Bronze Age.
• Findings suggest a high level of technological sophistication, challenging previous understandings of ancient Chinese metallurgy.