Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils develop their understanding of sources and evidence by examining the artefacts that remain from Iron Age Britain. They will learn about Celtic art, Iron Age women, and Iron Age Britain's connections to the wider world.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe some of the features of Celtic La Tène art.

Key Notes

• Iron Age Britain was dominated by a group of people called the Celts, who had spread across Europe.
• Art was very important to the Celts, who made large numbers of metal objects in a style known as La Tène.
• The Snettisham Great Torc shows the incredible artistry and craftsmanship the Celts were capable of.
• The Battersea Shield made of bronze shows incredible craftmanship and the distinctive swirling patterns of La Tène.
• Archaeologists have worked out that it was too thin for protection, and so was probably an offering to the gods.

Vocabulary To Learn

• Celts: the Celts were groups of Iron Age people in Europe who shared similar languages and culture
• La Tène: a popular later style of Celtic art which uses curves, swirls and leafy patterns is called La Tène
• torc: a torc is a large solid ring worn around the neck

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils may think that all of our knowledge of the Iron Age is definitely correct.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Iron Age Britain's connections to the wider world Study Guide
• The discovery of Lindow Man Study Guide
• The Wetwang chariot and Celtic warfare Study Guide
• The women of Iron Age Britain Study Guide
• What historians have learnt about Iron Age Britain Study Guide