It was apparently well-known in Rome itself from the beginning of the city, as their most ancient priest, the flamen dialis, was forbidden even to touch it, probably due to its association with bloodshed.
Its use was especially prevalent in the kingdom of Cush, who made Meroe a cente of its production, while Roman sources report that the Gauls were also extraordinarly skilled in techniques for its use. It was apparently well-known in Rome itself from the beginning of the city, as their most ancient priest, the flamen dialis, was forbidden even to touch it, probably due to its association with bloodshed. It was first extensively employed by the Hittites, who found a way to make it more shatter-resistant by the art of tempering or quenching. For 10 points name this material whose greater strength and penetrating power soon led to weapons made of it supplanting those of bronze.
Its use was especially prevalent in the kingdom of Cush, who made Meroe a cente of its production, while Roman sources report that the Gauls were also extraordinarly skilled in techniques for its use.
iron