Iron Age

The Iron Age is part of the three-age system used to classify prehistoric societies (Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age). It almost goes without saying, but they are categorized by the main material used to forge tools, which is indicative of their sophistication. Like the earlier two ages, Iron Age dates vary by region since the adoption of iron technology didn’t occur simultaneously across the globe. Generally, it began around 1200 BCE in the Middle East and gradually spread.

Iron’s superior strength and availability compared to bronze allowed for more efficient tools, impacting every aspect of society. The Iron Age saw the rise and fall of great empires, as iron-wielding civilizations held a significant advantage. Trade networks expanded further, leading to increased exchange and conflict. Societies became even more complex and stratified, with advanced writing systems, legal codes, and organized religions. The end of the Iron Age is marked by different factors in different regions. In some areas, it transitioned into classical civilizations like ancient Greece and Rome. In other regions, the distinction is less clear and depends on various historical and technological developments.