The Bronze Age

The Bronze Age

OWhat was the Bronze Age?

In the Bronze Age, copper and tin were combined to make bronze. This was the first use of metal. The Stone Age gave way to the Bronze.

OWhat was the source of copper and tin?

Copper was mined near Mount Gabriel, Co Cork and Killarney, Co Kerry. Tin was imported from mines in Cornwall in England.

OWhat kinds of houses did Bronze Age people live in?

Bronze Age people lived in houses similar to those lived in by Neolithic people.

OThey were made of wattle and daub walls, with a thatched roof.

OA timber fence with an earthen bank surrounded the houses, providing protection.

OWhat did Bronze Age people eat?

They are the same type of foods as Neolithic people.

OWheat and oats were used to make bread and porridge. Grain was ground on a saddle stone. Cattle provided meat and rivers and lakes were a source of fish.

OCooking was done on bronze cauldrons or on cooking spits.

OWhat was a fulacht fiadh?

A fulacht fiadh was an ancient cooking place.

OA hole was dug in the ground and lined with timber or flat stones. It was filled with water.

OLarge stones were heated in a fire and put into the water to bring it to the boil.

OMeat was wrapped in straw and place in the water until it was cooked.

OArts and crafts

Gold was used to make fine objects such as lunulae and sun disks, torcs, necklaces and bracelets.

OWhat were bronze and gold used for?

Objects made of bronze: Swords, axes, spearheads, arrowheads

Objects made of gold: Lanulae, sun discs, torcs, necklaces

OHow did Bronze Age people bury their dead?

1.A cist grave was a rectangular pit dug in the ground and lined with stone slabs. A single body was buried there in a crouched position. Grave goods such as food, arrow heads, beads and pins were placed in the grave as well.

2.A wedge tomb was built with large flat stones on the sides and a capstone on top. They were called wedge tombs because they were wedged-shaped. The entrance was wider and higher than the back of the tomb.

3.Standing stones were tall stones laid out in a line, in a circle or on their own. They were used for religious ceremonies and to mark burial sites.