The history of metalworking reaches back over 6000 years.
It became so important in early history that whole periods were named after the metals used: Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.
The Bronze Age (approx. 1800–800 B.C.) is one of the major prehistoric epochs. During this period, bronze became the preferred material for tools, weapons, and jewelry.
The beginning of the Bronze Age
The transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age occurred at different times across Europe. People began to use copper first and later bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. Because bronze was harder and easier to melt than copper, it represented a significant technical advance.
Major Bronze Age centers in Europe included southern Germany, Tyrol, Central Germany, Spain, England, Ireland, and Bohemia Mining areas in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) and Siebenbürgen were important sources of copper and tin.
Development of Cultures
The Bronze Age led to the rise of large cultural regions with complex societies. Distinctive ceramics, burial customs, and metal craftsmanship defined each cultural group.
Most Important Cultures
Aunjetitz Culture (approx. 1800–1500 B.C.)
- Settlement area: Central Germany, Bohemia, and Austria.
- Characteristics: Uniform ceramics and burial rites (flat graves and crouched burials).
The first princely graves in Central Germany (e.g., Leubingen) belong to this period.
- Economy: High level of bronze production.
- Related culture: The Bell Beaker Culture in Bavaria (named after bell-shaped pottery).
Tumulus (Barrow) Culture (approx. 1500–1300 B.C.)
- Settlement area: From the Meuse and Seine rivers to the Alps, Oder, and Lower Saxony.
- Burial custom: The dead were buried under burial mounds with grave goods such as jewelry and weapons.
- Economy: Based primarily on animal husbandry.
Urnfield Culture (approx. 1300–700 B.C.)
- Settlement area: From the Middle Danube southward to Poland, Central Germany (Lusatian Culture), western France, northern Spain, and northern Italy.
- Burial custom: The dead were cremated and their ashes placed in urns.
- Settlement forms: Fortified hilltop settlements, lakeshore villages, and extensive rural settlements.
- Economy: Production of bronze goods: vessels, weapons, jewelry; trade across large parts of Central Europe.
A division of labor developed, with craftsmen, traders, farmers, and herders.
- Religion: The sun cult became widespread.
Nordic Bronze Age (approx. 1500–1300 B.C.)
- Settlement area: Northern Germany and Scandinavia.
- Settlements: Fortified villages; people lived in rectangular houses with porches.
- Economy: High-quality bronze casting and handicrafts.
- Burial custom: Cremation became common, though burial mounds (tumuli) continued.
Influence of the Bronze Age on Human Life
| Area | Developments |
|---|---|
| Religion & Burials | Sun worship, burial mounds, urn graves |
| Settlements | Large regional groups in fortified settlements |
| Technology | Casting techniques, cutting and striking tools, horse gear, household vessels |
| Society | Growing social hierarchy, warrior leaders, class differentiation |
| Work Division | Mining, crafts, trade, agriculture, livestock breeding, fishing |
The Bronze Age brought major progress in all areas of human life: technology, economy, religion, and social organization.