BRONZE, AGE OF. A term used by modern writers to denote that period in the history of mankind when iron was unknown, and bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) was in general use for weapons, tools, and ornaments. That such a period existed in a large part of Europa between the later Stone Age and the introdue tinent, the end of the period occurs in different places at widely different times. In Greece the pre-Myeemean period is essentially a Stone Age, though the use of copper and bronze begins in Cyprus during this time. The Myeemean period is marked by the use of bronze, though iron seems to have been known before this civilization passed away. Even in the Homeric poems iron is not common, and is highly valued, while bronze is in common use. In Italy the Terra mare of the Po Valley belongs to the earlier Bronze Age, but the Villanova graves near Bo logna, of about B.C. 1000. show the presence of iron, and it seems likely that the Bronze Age in Italy was of relatively short duration. In gen eral it may be said that the duration and de velopment of this period of civilization depended largely upon the aecessibility of the regions. where it flourished to traders from the south. Thus in France, Spain, and Central Germany, with which the Greeks early came in contact through TNIassilia and the Rhone Valley, iron was early introduced, and soon succeeded bronze for weapons and sharp tools. while in the valleys of Switzerland, among the lake dwellers, in Great Britain and Northern Europe. the use of iron was much later. Indeed some archaeologists would allow the Bronze Age of Scandinavia to continue to the Second Century B.C., though 2\lontelius places the commencement of the first iron period about B.C. 500-400. The chronology of this Swedish archaeologist, a recognized au tho•ity in this field, is shown in the following tahle, abridged from one given in the of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain, Vol. XXIX. (1899), p. 309, though many stu dents of Italian arehieology hold that the dates for Italy are too remote.
Of course the Bronze and Iron ages are sub divided into many periods, which have been omit ted here. It should also be said that European areluvologists are by no 'means agreed upon the existence of a Copper Age, many claiming that while pure copper was doubtless used here and there, the discoveries have not been sufficient to warrant the belief in a general use for a con tion of iron is now admitted by most archaeolo gists, though there is much difference of opinion in litany points of detail. It should be noted that the term denotes a stage of civilization, not a chronological division, for there is no sharp line between the Stone and the Bronze ages; indeed, stone implements are common through much of the later period, and are not unknown after the introduction of iron. Nor, on the other hand, does bronze cease to lie used for some time after the superiority of iron has been established. Moreover, while the of the Bronze Age in Europe are nearly synchronous, and seem to fall in the period between n.c. 21100 and 1800, as is rendered probable by the simi larity of the earlier types throughout the Con siderable period of time. The existence of a Copper Age in North America is conceded by all, and there is much probability that such an age existed on the island of Cyprus and in Egypt. Outside of Europe the existence of the three ages is not so clearly traced. Recent discoveries in Egypt show that stone and metal were used side by side for a long period, while some Egypt ologists hold that iron was not in general use until about me. SOO. Consult: 113rnes. Urge sehichte des Mensehen (Vienna, 1892) ; Evans, Anc‘nt Bronze Implements of Great Britain (London. 1881) ; Chantre, .11/c du bronze en Prance (Paris, 1875-76) ; Montelins, Les temps en Stade (translation from the Swedish by S. Reinach, Paris, 1895) ; Morgan, I:4pr de la pierrc ct ics mc'taux cn l'Egypte I Paris. 1890.