African Iron Age

The African Iron Age refers to a period in Africa, roughly from 500 BCE to 1000 CE, when societies began to use iron for tools and weapons, significantly advancing agriculture and technology. This era saw the rise of complex communities, trade networks, and urban centers. Different regions, such as West Africa and the Great Lakes, developed unique ironworking techniques and cultural practices. The Iron Age contributed to the establishment of powerful kingdoms and influenced social structures, enabling economic growth and cultural exchange across the continent. Overall, it was a key phase in shaping Africa's historical development.