The Metal Age began around 4,500 BC and marked the last period of Prehistory. It was divided into the Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. During the Copper Age, copper and gold were the first metals used by humans and were hammered into tools and weapons. The Bronze Age followed, using an alloy of copper and tin to make stronger weapons, tools, and utensils for agriculture and domestic use. Finally, in the Iron Age, iron became popular as it was even stronger than bronze, and new techniques like casting in molds were developed. Trade expanded, agriculture continued, and social stratification increased during this time.

1. The Metal Age

2. It is the last period of
Prehistory

3. It started around 4,500 BC

4. … and ended when the first
written texts began to be
used (that happened
depending on the area)
In Europe, the first written
texts appeared during the
first millenium BC

5. The Metal Age is divided into
three periods:
- Copper Age
- Bronze Age
- Iron Age

6. Copper and gold were the
first metals ever used by
humans

7. Copper and gold were hit
with a stone or with a
hammer made of stone.

8. Copper was used for making tools and
weapons. However, copper tools bend
easily, so they were not very effective.

9. Gold jewelry. Some
examples

12. Then came bronze. Bronze is an alloy
(a mixture) of copper and tin.
Both were melted and mixed.
Bronze is much stronger than copper,
so it was used primarily for making
weapons, tools for agriculture and
domestic utensils.

13. Bronze utensils for
agriculture

14. Bronze hoe

15. Bronze sickle

16. Swords and spears

17. Shields

18. Domestic utensils, and figurines

19. Iron was even stronger than
bronze

20. Only few people knew how to
elaborate iron weapons and tools.
These peoples became powerful

21. Two processes:
1. Metal was heated in
the oven. Then, it was
hit with a hammer to
create the weapon or
another utensil.
2. Metal was heated
and melted. Then, it
was poured into a
mould. When the metal
cools, the weapon is
ready to be used.
mould

22. Of course, pots and objects made
of clay continued to be made
during the Metal Age

23. The potter's wheel was invented

24. There were more artisans.
As a consequence, trade
between distant regions
expanded.

25. Of course,
agriculture and
animal farming
continued
being the most
important
economic
activities.

26. The plough was invented

27. Ships started to be built for
trade purposes.
For examples, ships went from
Britain to Europe. They traded
with the continent.

28. Transport also improved thanks to
the discovery of the wheel!

29. Amber was exported from
Northern Europe to other
areas

30. Villages grew.

31. And social inequalities
increased.