Roman Nails

The technologies of smelting and working iron were developed in Europe, Asia and Africa. They had a major impact in many areas of life and work, including better tools for agriculture and industry, and more effective arms and armour. The production of nails also had an impact on activities such as construction and ship-building. Supplies of high-quality iron were particularly important for the Roman army, not only for weapons, but also for the construction of ships and fortresses. Iron was also vital for the later expansion of European empires, especially in the Americas where iron was almost totally unknown.

Reading

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/i/ironworking_in_roman_britain.aspx

Diamond, J.M. 1998. Guns, germs and steel: a short history of everybody for the last 13,000 years. London: Vintage.