Raudoitusajan

Raudoitusajan is a Finnish term referring to the iron age, a prehistoric period in Finland. This era is characterized by the widespread use of iron in tools and weapons. The raudoitusajan is generally considered to have begun around 500 BCE and lasted until the beginning of the Middle Ages, roughly 1150 CE.

During the raudoitusajan, Finnish society underwent significant changes. Agriculture became more prominent with the introduction of iron plows, leading to increased food production. Settlements grew, and the foundations for later social structures were laid. Burial customs evolved, with cremations and inhumakens becoming common. Ironworking skills were developed, and evidence of smithies and iron production sites has been found.

Archaeological findings provide crucial insights into the raudoitusajan. These include various iron artifacts like knives, axes, swords, and jewelry, as well as pottery, remnants of settlements, and burial grounds. The material culture reflects influences from neighboring regions, suggesting trade and interaction. The raudoitusajan marks a pivotal transition in Finnish history, moving from a Bronze Age society to one increasingly shaped by iron technology and developing cultural identities.