The first metal used by man was copper. It was used in the Middle East as early as 8000 BC. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so it was not used to make tools or weapons until it was alloyed with tin to create bronze. Bronze is a much harder metal than copper, and it was used to make tools and weapons for thousands of years. Iron was not used until much later, around 3000 BC. Iron is a much stronger metal than bronze, and it eventually replaced bronze as the primary metal used for tools and weapons. Gold is a very soft metal, and it was not used for tools or weapons. It was used for jewelry and other decorative items.