Iron age in history

Iron age in history

The Iron Age was a period in human history, following the Bronze Age, that began between 1200 B.C. and 600 B.C. and is defined by the use of iron and steel to create tools and weapons. This technological shift led to increased agricultural productivity, more efficient construction, and stronger, more numerous armies, which in turn fueled the growth of empires.

Key aspects of the Iron Age

1. Technological advancements:
   1. Iron tools, such as plows, allowed for the cultivation of harder soils, leading to greater food production.
   2. Stronger iron and steel weapons, including swords and spearheads, gave armies a significant advantage.
   3. Innovations like cast iron in China allowed for the creation of a wide range of tools and pottery.
   4. Other innovations, such as the rotary quernstone, improved the efficiency of daily tasks like grinding grain.
2. Social and political impact:
   1. Increased food supply supported larger populations and the growth of cities.
   2. The widespread availability of iron meant that metalworking was not dependent on long trade networks, allowing for the rise of more powerful, locally-resourced armies.
   3. The Assyrians, for example, used iron weaponry to conquer a vast territory, creating one of the first professional standing armies.
   4. The ability to carve and shape stone more easily led to the development of more complex stone architecture.
3. Cultural practices:
   1. Societies in the Iron Age developed complex religious practices. For example, in Britain, Druids led ceremonies and offered precious items, like weapons and cups, to spirits in sacred places.
   2. Many areas, like Britain, also saw the construction of fortified sites known as hill forts, which were used for defense and as hubs of power and social gatherings.
4. Regional variation:
   1. The start of the Iron Age varied by region. It began around 1200 B.C. in some parts of the Near East but not until around 600 B.C. in other areas.
   2. The technology was developed independently in different parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa and China.