Sphinxes were the traditional enemies of centaurs. When contact with the Tin Isle was lost, and Centaurs were no longer able to import tin and thus to alloy copper into bronze, the sphinxes enjoyed a significant military advantage. They pressed this advantage and won a major victory over their foes in Asia Minor. This victory prompted the Centaurs to realize the severity of the crisis to which their tin shortage subjected them, and to mount several expeditions to attempt to secure sources of the metal.