Save Big on Coursera Plus. 7,000+ courses at $160 off. Limited Time Only! Grab it Explore the fascinating history of the Kargaly Mines in this 15-minute educational video that uncovers the world's largest prehistoric copper mining operation. Journey to the steppes between the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea to discover how ancient civilizations, including the Yamnaya and Srubnaya cultures, transformed the landscape through extensive mining operations nearly 4,000 years ago. Learn about the remarkable engineering feat of vertical shaft mining and the intricate network of tunnels stretching hundreds of kilometers that yielded an estimated 150,000 tons of copper during the Bronze Age. Delve into the sophisticated ore prospecting techniques, daily life of the miners, ritualistic practices, and the complex trade networks that distributed Kargaly copper across ancient Europe. Understand the factors that ultimately led to the abandonment of this massive mining complex and its lasting impact on archaeological understanding of Bronze Age metallurgy and commerce.