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This Bronze axe was discovered in the townland of Ballyweany in Loughguile, Co. Antrim. It is inscribed with the name of Dr. D'Evelyn, who was a very well-known antiquities collector from Ballymena in the late 19th and early 20th century. The rest of his collection is held by the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin Around 2500-2000 BC, people in Ireland discovered how to mix copper and tin to make a new, harder metal, known as bronze. Bronze replaced flint to make more efficient tools and weapons such as axes, spears, and knives as well as beautiful ornamental objects. This new technology was revolutionary and helped create a wealthier, more complex society. Trade routes were established with Britain and Europe and these links brought cultural influences.

© National Museums Northern Ireland 2010 Collection Ulster Museum, Belfast. Photograph reproduced courtesy the Trustees of National Museums Northern Ireland.