Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit analyses how life changed in Britain between the Bronze and Iron Ages. It examines how the use of bronze changed life in Britain and how agriculture, settlement, and trade changed further in the Iron Age. Life in the two periods is compared and contrasted.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe some of the changes that took place in settlements and trade in Britain during the Iron Age.

Key Notes

• Large Iron Age hillforts, like at Castell Henllys and Maiden Castle, were built bigger than any previous settlement.
• It is debated by historians whether these hillforts were for protection or to show off.
• The earthworks of some hillforts remain, and archaeologists have found lots of artefacts when digging them up.
• The potter's wheel arrived in Britain allowing a greater range of quality pottery to be made.
• Coins were imported to Britain and modified, encouraging trade and shared values for goods.

Vocabulary To Learn

• hillfort: a settlement on top of a hill with a protective barrier is a hillfort
• earthworks: earth that has been moved for building or construction is called earthworks
• ramparts: ramparts are protective barriers such as ditches, fences or walls surrounding an area
• pottery: items made from clay such as pots, vases, bowls and cups are called pottery

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Children may not understand that the Iron Age coins were not just different to modern day coins but the first coins ever used in Britain.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Changing agriculture in Britain during the Iron Age Study Guide
• Comparing and contrasting Bronze Age and Iron Age Britain Study Guide
• How bronze changed life in Britain Study Guide
• The beginning of the Iron Age Study Guide
• The first use of bronze Study Guide