A History of Britain - Bronze and Iron (2200 BC - 800 BC)

Note: This is a re-edit of the Bronze and Iron episode (Originally released 17th June 2019) due to some copyright concerns.

This episode explores the arrival of metalworking on the shores of Britain, and how its adoption radically changed society.

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#History #Britain #BronzeAge #IronAge

Links to online sources:
“The Beaker phenomenon and the genomic transformation of northwest Europe” by Olalde et al.

“Neolithic and Bronze Age migration to Ireland and establishment of the insular Atlantic genome” by Cassidy et al.

“Archaeological investigations at Ross Island Cave, Killarney, Co. Kerry” by O’Brien and Comber M

“Innovation and identity: the language and reality of prehistoric imitation and technological change” by Frieman C

“The Bronze Age Boats of North Ferriby, Yorkshire” by Wright EV

“Offshore finds from the bronze age in north-western europe: the shipwreck scenario revisited” by Samson AVM

“At the Water's Edge” by Lund J

“Bronze Age Field Systems in the Thames Valley” by Yates DT

“The Flag Fen Basin: Archaeology and environment of a Fenland landscape” by Pryor F

“East Chisenbury Midden, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire Archaeological Report” by Wessex Archaeology

“The British Plough: Some Stages in its Development” by Payne FG

[peternicholls]

I came here to learn more about the bronze age.. as a metal detectorist I was fortunate to find a bronze age palstave style axe head on new years eve 2019, I informed my local FLO (Find's Liason Officer) of the find, who requested pictures and map reference (google map) which I supplied. I'm hoping to keep it once it's catalogued etc, it dates around 3200 -3500 yrs old. The land owner who gave permission wasn't too bothered about it and said he thought it would have come off a piece of machinery!. It's a find of a lifetime for me and remains a top bucket lister for many a detectorist. :)

[babscabs]

Imagine how mind blown a stone age Briton must've been on seeing a blacksmith at work for the first time.

[TheManOWrath]

The most intense moment of this was when you discussed water offerings, and I realized I had unknowingly practiced a ceremony of my ancient ancestors. 😮

[celticsaxon]

Yes you're easy going to listen to. No acting or over-the-top or spam. Thanks.

[glasnikov]

I love your clear style of telling the story. Must have been a lot of work put into producing this. Thank you!

[SivakAurak]

Part of me wonders if the 'Sword in the Stone' myth started when a Neolithic farmer watched an early metalworker pull a copper knife out of a cast. After some polishing, you're looking at a bright shining blade that is CLEARLY MAGIC.

[scottscottsdale]

Can you imagine being the first person to use bronze. All of your neighbors are us8ng flint and there you are hacking away at a funny green stone. Their spouse would have been mad. “ what are you doing crushing that green stuff all day long week on end”. Just like in Monty Python

[JayNewberyy]

How I was taught British history in the UK:
"2200BC: In Egypt, undying kings lie beneath the greatest monuments mankind has yet devised...in Mesopotamia, the world's first empire is on its knees, slowly collapsing under the weight of draught and rebellion...and far to the west, on the windy shores of Britain, we all sat in caves wearing animal skins, saying "ug ug ug", waiting for the Romans to come and civilise us."

[drjohnsmith]

Thankyou again mate.
My daughter (7) love's that are both learning together. ❤
Woke up and asked What's next.
Thankyou from Australia. 👍

[AwestaKhalid]

well done. I can't believe this was made to be viewed for free.

[Fadez]

Barrens from WoW, Horn of Easterlings from Middle Earth, Age of Mythology... I approve of your references

[LiteralSloth]

Currently stuck working an overnight shift. This is helping me get through the long night.

[calvinhobbes]

The most detailed histories I’ve yet to see on the net. Superb!

[razamadaz]

So we live on an island that was originally i'll be damned....Thumbs up for these history videos, they are really interesting. I've never known about our ancestors lives. We really have come a long way as a nation since the early days and owe our lives to the hardworking folk of ancient Britain.

[matthewm]

Great! You do such a great job with these. They are riveting the whole way though. I'm so glad you were consistent with accurate depictions and art, along with showing specific examples of artifacts and locations.


I suppose you will be discussing this in the next video, but, I would really love to have a clear explanation of when the beaker people, and their successors, became/begot the Celts.

[samkershaw]

1:03 "The long rains would arrive and wouldn't end for centuries to come." As a Mancunian they still haven't.

[jfebacher]

@Histocrat. You are simply amazing. I enjoy everything you put out and am always hopeful for more from you. Keep it up and thank you.

[zuleikadilella]

Yet another gripping and informative 53 minutes well spent. Can't wait for the next one

[fullofcupcakesyumm]

It’s amazing how much research went into this! You’re amazing, great job!

[anthonymolloy]

Excellent presentation. I learned a great deal about something I thought I knew about. Beautiful writing, comprehensive accreditation. Thank you. I'm looking forward to watching the others.