I heard about this before those ancient civilizations have been using mercury in some form or another. The question I have is how did they get hold of substantial amounts of mercury. Perhaps one of the readers may be able to enlighten me.
https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/mercury
Mercury is emitted by natural sources, such as volcanoes, geothermal springs, geologic deposits, and the ocean. Human-related sources primarily include coal combustion, waste incineration, industrial uses, and mining.
Lots of fun stuff here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mercury+reaction+site%3Ayoutube.com
Potosi had a silver mine that — if memory serves — used (local) mercury to refine the ore, maybe still does. The mining started there in 1545, and hasn’t stopped yet. One big quake will probably do it. :^)