Time Schedule of the Bronze Age 477 



When do you date the first employment of iron ? 



We know that in Asia Minor iron was a novelty in the 

 time of Homer. It is probable that in Egypt, Chaldea and 

 China it had been known some ages earlier. If we say 

 that there is no certainty of its use on any part of the globe 

 for more than six thousand years, we shall not be far wrong. 

 In Britain not more than three thousand. 



Had the natives of Britain iron when Caesar landed ? 



They certainly had both bronze and iron and were habitu- 

 ally using both. They had scythes fixed to their chariots, 

 and used metal sickles to cut their grain. 



What dates may be given for the bronze period in Britain ? 



From 2000 B.C. to the time of Christ, but during the latter 

 half of this period the populations were bringing iron into use 

 also. Thus we narrow the period during which bronze was 

 common and in exclusive use to a short five hundred years. 



A SPACE-FOR-TIME SCHEDULE OF THE 

 BRONZE AGE IN BRITAIN. 



In reference to the Space-for-Time Schedule which will 

 be found on the next page, we are wishful to explain that it 

 is tentative only. We stereotype nothing and have always 

 great pleasure in receiving the suggestions of our readers. 

 In the present instance we deal with a subject very wide in 

 extent and complex in detail. We may have made mistakes 

 and it is quite certain that we have omitted much that might 

 have suitably been noticed. Our readers can supply for 

 themselves emendations and additions, and should any of 

 these seem to them important we shall be thankful if they 

 will forward them to us. We may, in the future, reprint the 

 Schedule with improvements. What details are forthcoming 

 as regards clothing, food, the use of stimulants, religious 

 observances, &c. ? How was cremation carried out ? These 

 are only a few of the questions suggested. 



