Origins

• The Egyptians were making iron beads as early as 4000 B.C., though these were made from meteor fragments shaped with the same techniques used for stone. Archaeologists believe that iron working was developed by a people called the Hittites who flourished in the Anatolia region of western Asia between 1500 and 1200 B.C. Experts believe the Hittites kept iron working a secret and strictly controlled the export of iron implements. It spread to the Middle East and Europe after the fall of the Hittites in the 13th century B.C.
  
  

Celtic Hallstatt

• The Celtic Hallstatt culture flourished between 1200 and 600 B.C, although their influence was felt until about 450 B.C. The Hallstatt people developed iron working about 800 B.C., becoming the first Iron Age culture in Europe. They are known for their hilltop forts, opulent graves and jewelry and highly decorated, utilitarian items. Iron items included swords, axes and plows. Hallstatt artwork is characterized by spirals, stylized animal designs and knotwork.
  
  

Britain

• The British Iron Age lasted from about 750 B.C. to A.D. 43. Iron Age British Celts were predominately farmers who raised wheat, rye, oats, barley, cattle, sheep and pigs on small farmsteads. Historians believe that these farmers raised a little more than they needed to sustain their extended families. Extra produce was traded for goods they couldn't produce for themselves. They also raised horses as pack animals and dogs for herding livestock and hunting. Iron Age settlements consisted of small clusters of stone houses or large hilltop forts. The hillforts were densely populated and featured roads and circular houses with cone-shaped thatch roofs.
  
  

Ireland

• The Irish Iron Age began around 500 B.C. and ended with the arrival of Christianity around A.D. 500. According to "A New History of Ireland," Irish Iron Age culture was influenced by the central European Hallstatt and La Tene cultures. Archaeologists believe that the limited distribution of artifacts indicates that Celtic settlers from the mainland came over in small groups instead of an overwhelming invasion as was previously believed. The people of the La Tene culture were warriors known for their rich graves full of weapons, their skill with chariots, head-hunting, ornate jewelry and metalwork decorated with intricate spirals and curved lines.