The Iron Age in Britain is generally considered to have lasted from around 800 BCE to the Roman conquest in 43 CE. This period is characterized by the increased use of iron tools and weapons, as well as changes in social organization, settlement patterns, and material culture.
Key features of Iron Age Britain include:
- Settlements: During the early Iron Age, people lived in hillforts, which were fortified hilltop enclosures. These structures were often surrounded by defensive ditches and banks. Later in the Iron Age, people began to build larger and more complex settlements.
- Economy: Iron Age Britons practiced agriculture, keeping livestock and cultivating crops. They also engaged in trade, both locally and with continental Europe. The introduction of iron tools and improved plowing techniques likely contributed to increased agricultural productivity.
- Artifacts: Iron Age Britons produced a variety of artifacts, including pottery, metalwork, and textiles. The La Tène style, characterized by intricate and abstract designs, is a notable artistic element from this period.
- Social Organization: Iron Age society was likely organized into tribal groups, each with its own leaders. The political structure was decentralized, with power distributed among local elites.
- Religion: Iron Age Britons had a polytheistic belief system. Rituals and ceremonies were conducted at sacred sites, and evidence suggests a connection between religious practices and natural features such as rivers, lakes, and hills.
- Burial Practices: Iron Age burial practices varied, but some common features include inhumation (burial of the body) with grave goods such as pottery, tools, and personal items. Burials were sometimes located within or near settlements.
- Contact with the Continent: The Iron Age saw increased contact between Britain and continental Europe through trade and cultural exchange. The Celts, a diverse group of tribes sharing similar languages and artistic styles, were prominent during this time.
- Roman Conquest: The Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE marked the end of the Iron Age. The Romans introduced their own culture, governance, and infrastructure, significantly influencing the subsequent history of the region.
It’s important to note that interpretations of the Iron Age in Britain are continually evolving as new archaeological discoveries are made and our understanding of the past deepens.
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