Page 142 - DK Children's Encyclopedia

Iron Age SEE ALSO

▸ ▸ Bronze Age p.47
▸ ▸ Farming p.98
During the Iron Age, people began using iron ▸ ▸ Metals p.162
tools and weapons instead of bronze ones. ▸ ▸ Rocks and

It started about 3,200 years ago and lasted minerals p.214
for around 1,000 years, depending on the ▸ ▸ Trade p.257
area. Iron tools were stronger and more ▸ ▸ Vikings p.267

durable than anything before.

Weapons
Iron weapons were lighter and
Tools cheaper to make than weapons
Iron tools allowed farmers and builders made from bronze. Well-made iron
to work better. They were able to grow weapons were also stronger and sharper
more crops, clear land for farms, than bronze ones. Having good weapons
and build bigger buildings. meant societies could build powerful armies.

This iron sickle would
have been attached to
a wooden handle and Hill fort
used to cut wheat.
Hill forts are Iron Age
villages built on the
top of hills. They had
earth or stone walls
around them. Hill forts
allowed people to see
Iron cutting edge the enemy approaching
and prepare themselves
for attack.

Iron Age hill fort in
Making a sword was The walls at the base Dorchester, UK
very difficult. The Danish iron of the fort acted as a
best swordmakers sword from the protective barrier.
were well paid. Viking period of
800–1100 ce

Making iron
Making iron items is a
process that needs great
skill and care. The iron
must be made extremely
hot before it can be shaped
into a weapon or a tool. How
we shape iron today is similar
to how Iron Age craftsmen
performed the task. 1. Dig it out 2. Heat it up 3. Pour it in
Iron is dug from the ground The iron ore is heated to high The melted iron is poured into
in lumps, called iron ore. temperatures to make it melt. a shaped mold and left to cool.

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