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I have metal tools that are almost completely eaten by rust. No way these will last a few thousand years.

• AlotOfReading 2y ago
  Maybe not those specific tools, but I have personal experience with finding metal tools that are thousands of years old as an archaeologist. Earthenware is a relatively uncommon find anywhere that has water because it degrades so quickly. It used to be common to build clay paths by scattering broken earthenware and letting it degrade naturally. Porcelain is more durable chemically, but it's too fragile mechanically to survive intact in large pieces in most cases. I've only ever found it when buried in situ.
  • inglor_cz 2y ago
    The ancients didn't have toilet bowls. I guess this sort of sanitary porcelain is going to last longer than fine 18th century coffee cups.
  • codr7 2y ago
    I would suspect those tools are made out of metals of very different composition though.