Iron age

Iron Age

The Iron Age is the final epoch of the three-age division of the prehistory and protohistory of humanity. It was preceded by the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. The concept has been mostly applied to Europe and the Ancient Near East, and, by analogy, also to other parts of the Old World.

The Iron Age is taken to end, also by convention, with the beginning of the historiographical record. This usually does not include any part of the Middle Ages or the Modern Age, but some exceptions exist in regions with a very late Iron Age, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the central Andes.

Characteristics

The Iron Age is characterized by the production of tools and weaponry by extracting iron from ores, which had a profound impact on the technological and cultural development of human societies. Iron use was common during this period, although the technology to create tools and weapons varied greatly throughout the regions of the world.

Chronology

The Iron Age varies geographically, depending on the technological, cultural and political developments of the region. In most of Europe, the Iron Age is considered to have lasted from around 800 BC until the Roman conquest. In parts of Asia, such as in India, it is considered to have lasted from around 1200 BC to 600 BC. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the Iron Age is generally considered to have taken place between 500 AD and 1200 AD.

Iron Age Cultures

Numerous distinct cultures existed during the Iron Age. These include the Celtic culture, the Norse culture, and the Roman culture, among others. Each of these cultures had unique characteristics and contributions to the development of human civilization.

See Also

• Bronze Age
• Stone Age
• History of metallurgy
• Celtic culture
• Norse culture
• Roman culture