When was the Iron Age?
Prehistory is split into three main categories, based on developing technologies and the materials people used at the time: Stone, Bronze and Iron. The Iron Age comes after the Stone Age and Bronze Age.
Iron Age KS2
Stone Age to Iron Age - Lesson 6: The Iron Age
This Stone Age to Iron Age Year 3 and Year 4 History scheme of work will take your KS2 class on a fascinating journey as they explore prehistoric Britain. Your children will explore a million year...
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Iron Age KS2
The Iron Age began at different times in different locations around the world. It is thought that the earliest Iron Age started c.1200 BCE, in the Middle East and south-eastern Europe.
Why is it called the Iron Age?
The Iron Age was a period of time where people moved on from using bronze to using iron as their main material for making tools and weapons. Iron was first made from iron ore by the Hittite Empire in the modern-day region of Turkey, but they kept the method a secret. When their empire collapsed in 1200 BCE, the secret got out and spread.
Iron Age Britain
The Iron Age in Britain began c.800 BCE. Iron tools were stronger than bronze - this made farming easier, and as a result, settlements grew in size. People lived in clans (groups of people, usually related). Different clans could band together as a tribe. Tribes were led by warrior kings. Tribes often fought one another with iron weapons.
Iron Age Houses
By the Iron Age, most people in Britain lived in farmsteads with one or more houses, sometimes defended by a big ditch. In the north, houses were made of stone and turf but in the south, they were made of earth, timber and straw.
The Iron Age earthworks of Maiden Castle, Dorset
Iron Age Hill Forts
Hill forts are a type of earthworks which means that the earth around the fort was manipulated into ridges and ditches to act as defence. Lots of hill forts were built during the Iron Age, and many were densely populated as they offered some safety from tribal attacks.
When did the Iron Age end in Britain?
The Iron Age in Britain ended in 43 CE with the Roman invasion.
When should children learn about the Iron Age?
According to the National Curriculum History objectives, children should be taught about the Iron Age in KS2:
- changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
Non-statutory suggestions include teaching children about Iron Age hill forts: tribal kingdoms, farming, art and culture.
