Iron Age Europe

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Italy_Iron_Age_incineration_inhumation
Museo_guarnacci,_tomba_villanoviana_dalla_necropoli_delle_ripaie_ix_sec._ac
Urna_cineraria_biconica_da_chiusi_IX.VII_sec._ac._01
Harness_Trapping_in_the_Shape_of_a_Horse_LACMA_M.76.97.596
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Aerial_photograph_of_Maiden_Castle,_1935
Hallstatt_'C'_Swords_in_Wels_Museum,_Upper_Austria

Iron Age Europe refers to the period in European history that followed the Bronze Age and preceded the Middle Ages. This era is characterized by the widespread use of iron for tools, weapons, and other artifacts. The Iron Age in Europe is generally considered to have begun around 1200 BCE and lasted until the Roman conquest in various regions, which occurred at different times across the continent.

Chronology[edit | edit source]

The Iron Age in Europe is typically divided into three main phases:

  • Early Iron Age (c. 1200–800 BCE)
  • Middle Iron Age (c. 800–400 BCE)
  • Late Iron Age (c. 400 BCE–Roman conquest)

Cultural Groups[edit | edit source]

Several distinct cultural groups emerged during the Iron Age in Europe, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the development of European civilization.

Hallstatt Culture[edit | edit source]

The Hallstatt culture (c. 800–450 BCE) is named after the site of Hallstatt in modern-day Austria. It is considered the early phase of the Iron Age in Central Europe and is known for its rich grave goods, including weapons, tools, and ornaments made of iron.

La Tène Culture[edit | edit source]

The La Tène culture (c. 450 BCE–1st century BCE) succeeded the Hallstatt culture and is named after the site of La Tène on Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. This culture is noted for its artistic style, which included intricate metalwork and elaborate designs.

Celtic Tribes[edit | edit source]

The Celts were a significant cultural group during the Iron Age in Europe. They inhabited a large part of Western and Central Europe, including present-day France, the British Isles, and parts of Spain and Italy. The Celts are known for their distinctive art, mythology, and social structure.

Germanic Tribes[edit | edit source]

The Germanic tribes were another important group during the Iron Age. They lived in Northern and Central Europe and played a crucial role in the later stages of the Iron Age, particularly during the Migration Period.

Technological Advances[edit | edit source]

The Iron Age saw significant technological advancements, particularly in metallurgy. The ability to smelt and forge iron revolutionized tool and weapon production, leading to more efficient agricultural practices and more effective warfare.

Archaeological Sites[edit | edit source]

Several key archaeological sites provide insight into Iron Age Europe:

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Categories[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD