The Bronze Age
Archaeologists often describe the Bronze Age
as a time of cults and religion.
There are rock carvings from this period which really make us think.
Shining bronze objects have been found in lakes and bogs.
They were thrown in as offerings to the gods.
The Bronze Age takes its name from the metal bronze.
Bronze became common in Scandinavia at this time.
People first gained bronze objects by exchanging goods.
But the people in the north learned quickly.
Soon they were able to make bronze themselves.
Human figures in bronze found in Skåne.
Old bronze objects in museums are often a green colour.
This is because the metal changes over time.
It turns green. The green coating is called verdigris.
In the Bronze Age bronze objects shone almost like gold.
Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin.
This kind of mixture is called an alloy.
The amount of tin is usually between 5 and 30 percent.
Bronze cannot be forged like iron.
Instead it is cast in a mould.
Objects from the Bronze Age are decorated in different styles.
This helps us to tell when they were made.
The oldest objects often have zig-zag patterns or triangles.
Later ones are decorated with circles and spirals.
Go to the Early Bronze Age »
- Updated: 7 December 2009
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