Raudakausi

Raudakausi, or the Iron Age in Finland, is the prehistoric period in Finnish archaeology that follows the Bronze Age. It is defined by the widespread adoption of ironworking and lasting roughly from about 500 BCE to the early medieval era, with regional differences in when it began and ended. In southern Finland the transition occurs earlier than in the interior, and the end of the period is commonly placed in the 11th or 12th century CE as Christianization and medieval structures took hold.

The era is characterized by the expansion of iron tools and weapons, which supported changes in agriculture, forestry, and daily life. The use of iron contributed to more efficient farming, new kinds of implements, and improved hunting and warfare gear. Settlement patterns became more permanent in many regions, and there is evidence of increased societal complexity, including regional centers and chieftain-like leadership. Trade networks across the Baltic Sea and with neighboring regions grew, bringing in goods and ideas that influenced local material culture.

Archaeological finds from raudakausi include iron objects, weapons, and everyday implements, as well as cemeteries and settlements that illustrate social differentiation. Burial practices varied regionally, with both cremations and inhumations appearing in different areas, reflecting evolving beliefs and social structures. The Iron Age ultimately transitions into medieval Finland with the Christianization and incorporation into broader European medieval structures.