Evolution of containers throughout History.

I don't know if you have ever thought about all the containers in which we transport or store liquids: bowls, wineskins, mugs, jugs, barrels... It is like if they had always been here. But no. The evolution of containers throughout History is an exciting matter, which we will discuss on this report. Let's go.

1.- First containers. Leaves, baskets and wooden containers. It is belived that first containers were wide tree leaves. If you've ever been in the forest, sure you''ll probably have notice that water stores naturally in some leaves. So it is not difficult to imagine our ancestors drinking from there. Sure they learnt how to weave those leaves to make bigger containers for water. They also learned how to carve wood for making wooden containers.  However we have no archeological remains of these containers, because leaves and wood are organic, rotting very soon in nature. So, this is only a theory, a non demonstrated supposition.

2.- Shells. What we sure know is that the oldest containers found by archeologists were shells and stone pots. If you have ever been in the beach, from time to time it's possible to find a big shell of conch or scallop. Also turtle shells, the best ones in terms of strength and capacity. Our ancestors would have used these containers not only for storing water, but also even for cooking, in the case of turtle shells.

3.- Stone pots. The first serious attempt of container was the stone pot. Our ancestors learned how to carve stone, modifying its shape and so creating the first pots. It was a very slow process, based on friction: with a smaller stone, you have to start rubbing the stone that you want to hollow.

4.- Pottery. 25.000 years ago some humans noticed that if you let clay close to the fire, it hardens, becoming a waterproof substance. Pottery was born. From primitive containers pottery evolved to much ellaborated forms, like bowls, amphorae, cups, plates... Pottery was a so great discovery that still today we use it in hour houses.

5.- Leather. Our primitive ancestors learnt how to make leather from animal skins. With this leather they made containers like wineskins or leather glasses. There are evidences of leather containers from ancient Egypt, 8000 years ago. 

6.- Copper, bronze, gold and iron containers. About 10.000 years ago humans learned how to melt copper and gold. Later, 5000 years ago, they discovered that mixing copper with tin, they could get bronze: a much stronger metal. And finally humans learned how to make iron tools (3200 years ago). These metals were used to make tools and containers, mainly for rich people (consider that metals were very expensive on that times, because people didn't know how to get them industrially)

7.- Glass. About 5000 years ago, in actual Irak, people learned how to make glass, by melting sand. On that times glass was a luxury item, being as expensive as gold. Thre reason: it was very difficult to make it.

8.- Plastic. The invention of plastic in 1907 was a revolution. Plastic is a substance which can be easily melted and model. Besides, it is not very expensive to produce it. Consequence: nowadays, there are many many many (perhaps too much) plastic containers: water bottles, bowls, trays, canteens... 

9.- Stainless steel. The king of all materials. Invented in 1913 by Harry Brearley, stainless steel is the best for keeping liquids inside. It is hypoallergenic, it does not contain toxic substances, it does not change the taste of liquids...