The Iron Age

The Iron Age came after the Bronze Age. People figured out how to get iron from rocks and make it into tools. Iron was harder and stronger than bronze. The Iron Age began in different places at different times, around 3,000 years ago. Iron tools made farming and fighting easier.

Working with Iron

To work iron, people heated it in very hot fires and hammered it into shape. The person who did this was called a blacksmith. Blacksmiths made swords, axes, plows, and horseshoes. Iron was easier to find than the metals used for bronze. This meant more people could own iron tools.

A map of Europe showing where people lived in the Iron Age.
A map of Europe showing where people lived in the Iron Age. (Originally uploaded by Slovenski Volk (Transferred by codrinb) / Wikimedia Commons)

Life in the Iron Age

During the Iron Age, many groups of people built hill forts and villages. They grew crops like wheat and raised farm animals. Warriors carried iron swords and shields into battle. Important cultures like the Celts lived during the Iron Age. They were famous for their beautiful metalwork and art.

Fun Facts

  • Some of the first iron came from meteorites that fell from space.
  • Iron Age people in Europe built strong forts on top of hills.
  • The word 'blacksmith' comes from the dark color of iron.

Did You Know?

In some parts of the world, the Iron Age did not end until people started using steel, which is a stronger form of iron.