rautapitoisissa

Rautapitoisissa, also known as the Iron Age in Finland, refers to the period of Finnish history that spanned from approximately 500 AD to 1300 AD. This era is characterized by the widespread use of iron in tools, weapons, and other implements, marking a significant shift from the preceding Stone Age and Bronze Age. The Iron Age in Finland is often divided into two main phases: the Early Iron Age (500-800 AD) and the Late Iron Age (800-1300 AD).

During the Early Iron Age, Finland was inhabited by various Finnic-speaking tribes, including the Suomi, who are believed to be the ancestors of modern Finns. These tribes developed a complex society with a hierarchical social structure, characterized by the emergence of chieftains and the construction of defensive fortifications. The economy was primarily agrarian, with farming and herding being the main occupations. Trade networks also began to develop, with contacts established with neighboring regions, such as Sweden and Russia.

The Late Iron Age saw significant changes in Finnish society. The Viking Age, which began in the 9th century, brought about new influences and interactions with Scandinavian peoples. This period is marked by the establishment of Norse settlements in Finland, particularly in the coastal regions. The Norse settlers introduced new technologies, such as the use of the horse, and had a significant impact on the cultural and linguistic landscape of Finland. The Late Iron Age also witnessed the rise of the medieval period in Finland, with the establishment of the first Christian churches and the beginning of the Christianization of the Finnish people.

The end of the Iron Age in Finland is often associated with the Swedish conquests in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Swedish expansion into Finland led to the establishment of the Swedish province of Finland, which would later become an integral part of the Swedish Empire. The Iron Age in Finland thus concluded with the beginning of the medieval period, characterized by the influence of Swedish culture and the eventual integration of Finland into the broader European political and cultural sphere.