Page "Bronze" Paragraph 38

Bronze has been used in the manufacture of various types of medals for centuries, and are known in contemporary times for being awarded to the second-runner up in sporting competitions and other events.

The later usage was in part attributed to the choices of gold, silver and bronze to represent the first three Ages of Man in Greek mythology: the Golden Age, when men lived among the gods ; the Silver age, where youth lasted a hundred years ; and the Bronze Age, the era of heroes, and was first adopted at the 1904 Summer Olympics.

At the 1896 event, silver was awarded to winners and bronze to runners-up, while at 1900 other prizes were given, not medals.