Welding can trace its historic development back to the Bronze Age. The earliest examples Small gold circular boxes come from ancient times. They were made by pressure welding lap joints together. These boxes were made more than 2000 years ago. Egyptians and people in the eastern Mediterranean area learned to weld pieces of iron together. Tools from the iron age were found which were made approximately 1000 B.C. The art of blacksmithing was developed during the Middle Ages. Many items of iron were produced which were welded by hammering. It was not until the 19th century that welding, as we know it today was invented.