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by nkurz 982 days ago
Why do think they weren't able to get it that thin? What "technology" are you referring to? Here's Wikipedia's summary:

"5,000 years ago, Egyptian artisans recognized the extraordinary durability and malleability of gold and became the first goldbeaters and gilders. They pounded gold using a round stone to create the thinnest leaf possible. Except for the introduction of a cast-iron hammer and a few other innovations, the tools and techniques have remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_leaf