Iron Age

Developmental stage of human technology when weapons and tools were made from iron. Preceded by the Stone and Bronze ages, it is the last technological stage in the Three Age System framework for prehistory. Iron was produced in Thailand c. 1600 BC, but was considered inferior in strength to bronze until c. 1000 BC, when metallurgical techniques improved, and the alloy steel was produced by adding carbon during the smelting process.

Ironworking was introduced into different regions over a wide time span, appearing in Thailand c. 1600 BC, Asia Minor c. 1200 BC, central Europe c. 900 BC, China c. 600 BC, and in remoter areas during exploration and colonization by the Old World. It reached the Fiji Islands with an expedition in the late 19th century. Iron Age cultures include Hallstatt (named after a site in Austria) and La Tène (named after a site in Switzerland).