When did Egypt start using iron?

The ancient Egyptians used a small amount of iron even earlier in the ancient kingdom. Of course, just like any nation in the world at that time (including our motherland), they used natural meteorites. Because meteorites are very precious and magical, the ancient Egyptians called them "the metal of the gods" and played a very important role in religious ceremonies.

In a real sense, it is the Hittites who collect iron ore and use iron. After the Hittites invented iron, they used it for small-scale trade with other countries, including Egypt. Egyptian officials often import Hittite iron and remelt it, such as Tutankhamun's short iron sword.

The real large-scale use of iron in Egypt was in the 26th dynasty, namely Shays dynasty. Smelting iron is no longer a secret, and the Assyrian invasion brought about a larger exchange, which made the Egyptians almost completely replace bronze with iron in this era.