The Dawn of the Iron Age
In The Dawn of the Iron Age, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles explains how the dawn of the Iron Age and the creation of the Phoenician alphabet revolutionized and democratized societies. Iron and the alphabet brought warfare, literacy, and trade to the masses. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Lesson Express
Q: How was iron used?
A: Iron was initially used to make tools but soon became a material for weapons including knives.
Q: What effect did the use of iron have on society?
A: The widespread use of iron democratized warfare, which enabled more people to access weapons and tools. This resulted in the decline of large, centralized powers and created opportunities for smaller, more flexible power structures.
Q: What made the Phoenician alphabet so useful?
A: It has 22 symbols that represented consonants. It was simple to learn, use, and teach, which allowed more people to write.
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