The Iron Age

In the final technological and cultural stage of the three-age division of human prehistory, discovery of ways to heat and forge iron was in progress. At the time, the metal was seen as more precious than gold, and wrought iron (which would be replaced by steel with the advent of smelting iron) was easier to manufacture than bronze.

Along with mass production of steel tools and weapons, the age saw even further advances

in architecture, such as royal palaces, religious structures, and even homes. Early city planning also took place, with blocks of homes being erected along paved or cobblestone streets and water systems were put into place.

Agriculture, art and religion all became more sophisticated, and writing systems and written documentation, including alphabets, began to emerge, ushering in the Early Historical Period.