Where I live, I have to have this conversation way too often with people.
Early Modern Period (~1600 AD)
Medieval Period (~1000 AD)
(thelemmy.club)
Wow, that's a really interesting find!
Even Spain at that time had not produced the metal domestically for centuries, relying on imports from central Europe.
Ironic. I wouldn't be surprised if more parts of their technological superiority also relied on imports