Introduction to the Iron Age

The Introduction to the Iron Age Diploma Course begins with an explanation of why the Iron Age is so-called and gives you a context for the various developments that took place during this period. We look at the influence the development of iron had on the sudden deterioration of major civilisations and examine the effect of iron on the world in general.

We explore how iron was developed and used around the world, and look at other advances that happened alongside it. We examine ironworking in places as far apart as Africa and India, but also in the Near East - the region where it likely all began.

Most of us equate the Iron Age with the Celts. We take a look at this group of people but also the various ethnic groups that grew to dominate the East Mediterranean area, including the Hittites, Philistines, Phoenicians, and the Persians.

Two great art movements developed during this period - the Mediterranean art movement, which developed out of the post-Greek Dark Ages, and Celtic artwork, which was typical of the Iron Age in central and northern Europe. We examine the different styles and objects created during this time. We also take a look at the structures that most typically represented the architecture of Britain and Central Europe during the Iron Age. These include roundhouses and hillforts, but also encompass brochs and wheelhouses - buildings unique to Northern Scotland.

The Iron Age saw innovations and developments in farming and food production. We’ll explore the types of foods the Iron Age communities were eating, and how they expanded on these. We’ll also look at the various new tools that were developed, such as the ard and the potter’s wheel, which had a significant influence on farming methods and, by association, standards of living.

We’ll observe what daily life in the Celtic society of Iron Age Britain looked like - the various chores to be completed, how society was defined, the clothing that was worn and how it was made, how leisure time was spent and the music that was played.

Noted for being an era of great violence, you’ll be guided through the array of weapons that were developed and used on the battlefield, as well as the use of horses in war and the development of cavalry warfare.

While little is truly known about the spiritual practices and beliefs of the Iron Age people, we consider the evidence that does exist and what it tells us about primarily Celtic and north-east European spirituality.

The course concludes with a look at three specific ‘endings’ of the Iron Age – that of the beginning of historiography, the arrival of the Romans to British shores, and the rise of the Viking Age in Scandinavia.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand what is meant by the Iron Age
• Know where it is believed to have started and how it developed
• Be aware of the different time periods and regions in which the Iron Age occurred
• Know who the main peoples of the Iron Age were
• Have a deeper knowledge of the kind of building structures that were built in Europe and Britain during this time
• Know the major art movements of the Iron Age
• Be aware of the developments and innovations that occurred in agriculture
• Comprehend how the Iron Age influenced war
• Be familiar with how people lived in Iron Age Britain
• Have an understanding of the religious beliefs of the time
• Know the three events that are often associated with the end of the Iron Age

The Iron Age is a rich and vast period of time that covers multiple civilisations and cultures and there is always room to learn more about the various occurrences, people, art and social movements that happened in the Iron Age’s thousand-plus years.

This course is designed as an introduction to the Iron Age - providing you with a fundamental understanding of how the world was at that time and how people lived during this era.

You’ll discover the various innovations and advances that took place in the Iron Age and how these impacted major civilisations - from new agricultural techniques to advances in war. We also look at the art created at the time, the structures built, the beliefs held, and how each area defined their unique culture.