Molten copper and tin being poured into moulds to make bronze objects
Bronze Age KS2
The Bronze Age was a fascinating period of British history when people began using metal to make tools, weapons and jewellery. It sits between the Stone Age and the Iron Age, making it an important part of the National Curriculum topic Stone Age to Iron Age taught in KS2.
If you're teaching the Bronze Age in Years 3 or 4, this guide explains key Bronze Age facts for KS2, including Bronze Age tools, houses, food, artefacts and everyday life.
Need a Bronze Age KS2 History lesson?
We have a ready-to-teach lesson from our Stone Age to Iron Age scheme of work with lesson plan, slideshow and a range of printable activities and resources.
What Was the Bronze Age?
The Bronze Age began when people discovered that mixing copper and tin created a stronger metal called bronze. This new material allowed people to make better tools, weapons and everyday objects than those made from stone.
In Britain, the Bronze Age lasted from around 2500 BC to 800 BC. During this time, farming became more organised, trade increased and communities grew larger.
Bronze Age Facts KS2
- The Bronze Age came after the Stone Age and before the Iron Age.
- Bronze is made by mixing copper and tin.
- People used bronze to make tools, weapons and jewellery.
- Trade routes developed across Britain and Europe.
- Roundhouses became common homes.
- Farmers grew crops and kept animals.
- People buried important individuals in burial mounds called barrows.
- Many Bronze Age artefacts have been discovered by archaeologists.
Bronze Age Tools KS2
One of the biggest changes during the Bronze Age was the development of metal tools. Bronze Age tools were stronger and more durable than stone tools.
Examples of Bronze Age tools include:
- Axes
- Knives
- Chisels
- Sickles for harvesting crops
- Spears and weapons
These improvements helped people farm more effectively and build stronger structures.
Bronze Age Artefacts KS2
Bronze Age artefacts help archaeologists understand how people lived thousands of years ago. Artefacts discovered in Britain include tools, weapons, pottery, jewellery and ceremonial objects.
Many artefacts have been found in burial sites and hoards, providing clues about Bronze Age beliefs, trade and technology.
Bronze Age Houses KS2
Most Bronze Age people lived in roundhouses. These circular buildings were made from wooden posts woven together with branches and covered with a mixture of mud, clay and straw called wattle and daub.
Bronze Age roundhouses usually had:
- A circular shape
- A thatched roof
- A central fire for cooking and warmth
- Space for family life and storage
Some settlements contained several roundhouses grouped together.
Illustration of a small Bronze Age settlement
Bronze Age Food KS2
Bronze Age people were farmers. They grew crops such as wheat and barley and kept animals including cattle, sheep and pigs.
Their diet included:
- Bread made from grains
- Porridge
- Meat
- Milk and dairy products
- Wild berries and nuts
Successful farming helped communities grow and become more settled.
Bronze Age Jewellery KS2
The Bronze Age is known for its beautiful jewellery. Skilled craftspeople made necklaces, bracelets, rings and decorative pins from bronze, gold and other materials.
Jewellery often showed wealth and status and demonstrates the increasing skill of Bronze Age metalworkers.
Bronze Age Clothing KS2
People in the Bronze Age made clothing from wool, animal skins and plant fibres. Archaeological evidence suggests that garments became more carefully tailored than during earlier periods.
Simple cloaks, tunics and woven fabrics helped people stay warm while working outdoors.
Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age Timeline KS2
| Period | Approximate Dates | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Age | c. 3.4 million BC – 2300 BC | Stone tools and early farming |
| Bronze Age | c. 2300 BC – 700 BC | Bronze tools, trade and roundhouses |
| Iron Age | c. 700 BC – AD 43 | Iron tools and hillforts |
Timeline showing the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age in Britain
Teaching the Bronze Age in KS2
Learning about the Bronze Age helps children understand how technology changed people's lives and how Britain developed over time. It also provides an excellent opportunity to investigate artefacts, compare historical periods and explore archaeological evidence.
To help your class explore Bronze Age life, download this ready-to-teach Bronze Age lesson from our Stone Age to Iron Age scheme for Years 3 and 4.
👉 Download a ready-to-teach Bronze Age KS2 lesson »
Bronze Age KS2 FAQs
What was the Bronze Age KS2?
The Bronze Age was a period of history when people began making tools, weapons and jewellery from bronze instead of stone.
What are some Bronze Age facts for KS2?
The Bronze Age introduced bronze tools, increased farming, trade networks, roundhouses and new burial practices.
What did Bronze Age people live in?
Most Bronze Age people lived in roundhouses made from wood, wattle and daub, with thatched roofs.
What did Bronze Age people eat?
They ate crops such as wheat and barley, along with meat, dairy products, berries and nuts.
