cyprium

Updated: May 24, 2025

The copper mines near Tamasus were enormously productive, and the ore thence derived so preponderated over all other supplies that the later Romans came to use the word Cyprium for the metal generally whence the names by which it is even now known in most of the languages of modern Europe. On the whole Cyprus was considered inferior to no known island.

George Rawlinson - The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 5: Persia : The History, Geography, And Antiquities Of Chaldaea, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Parthia, And Sassanian or New Persian Empire; With Maps and Illustrations.

Bronze is from Brundusium, the ancient name of the South Italian town which we now call Brindisi. The Latin name for this metal was aes Brundusinum, or "brass of Brindisi." Copper was in Latin aes Cyprium, or "brass of Cyprus." Some coins take their names from the names of places. The florin, or two-shilling piece, takes its name from Florence.

Elizabeth (Elizabeth Speakman) O'Neill - Stories That Words Tell Us