C:\PADLOCK\ANCIENT> DIR 2000 BC EGYPT_ASSYRIA Wooden pin-tumbler. Earliest: Nineveh ruins. Key lifts pegs in bolt. Used on tombs. ~1000 BC CHINA_BRONZE First portable padlocks. Bronze body, split spring shackle. Animal shapes (dragon = protection). Han Dynasty (25-220 AD): Gold/silver for emperors. 500 BC ROME_IRON Iron U-shackle + warded key. 90° bent key. Used by merchants. Viking York (850 AD): Iron spring-tine pads — "padlock" from "paddock" (enclosed field). > TYPE ORIGIN.TXT Assyrian wood → Chinese bronze → Roman portability. Silk Road spreads design. No mass production — hand-forged. > PAUSE