The History of Gold

Reading time: 2 – 4 minutes

Since prehistoric times, people have always been fascinated with gold. Its glowing and shiny yellow color has glittered its way into metal works, jewelries and monetary currency. It is widely known as a symbol of power, prestige and wealth that has endured for thousands of years. Gold, throughout history, is one of man’s greatest natural discovery, and without which, our society may be entirely different

Since the times of the ancient Egyptians, gold has been often been found in tombs of pharaohs and kings over the land. From gold coins to golden statues, gold has been used extensively to show the power and wealth of once great nations. The influence of gold can also be seen in the Bible. The story of Moses breaking the golden calf with the Ten Commandments tablet clearly shows the value on how early civilizations viewed gold.

Gold was also valued highly during the times of the Roman Empire. Even succeeding civilizations in Europe also prized this shiny yellow element. From gold plated armors, shields and other gold plated metal works, gold is the ultimate symbol of power, wealth and dominance throughout history.

During the 15th century, the quest to find gold led European travelers and explorers to circumnavigate the globe in search of treasures and gold deposits. It was also during these times when pirates started to loot merchant vessels of gold and other precious metals. The myths of treasure islands where vast amounts of gold treasure lay hidden definitely displays the effect of gold has in every course of history and human imagination.

And the search for gold continued in the United States during the 1840’s when the California gold rush was at its height. Every adventurous and aspiring American that had hopes of finding gold in California all went to join the pack to find gold all over the west coast area. This event alone made a lot of lucky Americans rich just by discovering and mining their very own gold nugget.

Today, gold is still highly valued. Since it is now considered a rare and limited commodity, gold’s price is expected to go higher. Despite the news that gold deposits all over the world are slowly vanishing and production is declining some individuals still take time to find streams and rivers that are connected to old gold mines and can lead them to pan out gold nuggets.

And it is no wonder that some individuals have taken it upon themselves to mine and pan gold in their local areas. Though some have started is as a hobby, most aspiring gold mines eventually turn their summer activity into a worthwhile business. And some have successful businesses in panning and refining gold.

Gold has a truly significant role in our society and in our world’s history. Its existence alone has greatly defined what and how luxury items are. From the jewelries and metal works of ancient Egypt to today’s gold bars and gold coins, this metallic element still has high value in the world. And even today’s gold investments are not far off from how people perceived gold years ago.

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