How long has copper been used for?

Copper has been used by humans for over 10,000 years, with evidence of its use dating back to around 8,000 BCE in the Near East. It was one of the first metals to be manipulated and worked by ancient civilizations, leading to significant advancements in tools, weapons, and art. The development of Metallurgy marked the transition from the Neolithic to the Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age.