Iron Age - Revision history

Tao alexis at 02:45, 16 June 2026

2026-06-16T02:45:57Z

Bennettj: /* Aristocracy & Colonisation */

2026-06-10T19:15:43Z

Aristocracy & Colonisation

Bennettj: /* Aristocracy & Colonisation */

2026-06-02T19:54:16Z

Aristocracy & Colonisation

Bennettj: /* The Early Peloponnese */

2026-05-22T17:59:00Z

The Early Peloponnese

Tao alexis: /* China */

2026-04-14T23:18:20Z

China

Tao alexis: /* Scythia & Medea */

2026-04-14T23:17:59Z

Scythia & Medea

Tao alexis at 19:25, 2 March 2025

2025-03-02T19:25:02Z

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Tao alexis: /* Scythia & Medea */

2025-03-02T19:08:08Z

Scythia & Medea

Tao alexis: /* Babylon */

2025-03-02T19:07:11Z

Babylon

Tao alexis: /* Assyria */

2025-03-02T19:04:19Z

Assyria

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-[[File:Iron Age.jpg|right|525px|thumb]]'''The Iron Age''' describes the time period between 1200 and 600 <small>B.C.</small>, where the widespread adoption of iron weapons and tools replaced the use of bronze.  This transition was disrupted by the collapse of numerous civilisations during the first half of this period, often referred to as the Ancient Dark Age. As Mediterranean societies regained stability between 850 and 650 B.C., a transformed geopolitical landscape emerged, with power shifting westward from the Fertile Crescent to the Aegean.
+[[File:Iron Age.jpg|right|525px|thumb]]'''The Iron Age''' describes the time period between 1200 and 600 <small>B.C.</small>, where the widespread adoption of iron weapons and tools replaced the use of bronze.  This transition was disrupted by the collapse of numerous civilisations during the first half of this period, often referred to as the Ancient Dark Age. As Mediterranean societies regained stability between 850 and 650 B.C., a transformed geopolitical landscape emerged, with power shifting westward from the Fertile Crescent to the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]].
 __TOC__
 == Greece ==

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 === Aristocracy & Colonisation ===
-By 900 <small>B.C.</small>, monarchies across Greece had largely given way to aristocracies, as hereditary kings lost power or were reduced to ceremonial figures, with Sparta being the principal exception. The aristocrats, wielding iron weapons and amassing land, solidified their control at the expense of the lower farming classes, leading to renewed economic hardship and food shortages. After 800 <small>B.C.</small>, the pressure of overpopulation and social unrest prompted a wave of colonisation, initially encouraged by the ruling elites as a means of diffusing internal discontent. Greek city-states established settlements across the Mediterranean, spreading Hellenic culture far beyond the mainland. Major colonies took root along the Anatolian coast, in Libya, and along the Nile at Naucratis (founded in 640 <small>B.C.</small>). Greek traders and settlers also reached the coasts of Gaul and Iberia, as well as the northern shores of the Black Sea. These outposts reestablished Greece as a central force in Mediterranean trade, linking the region's economies once more, while at home a vibrant culture emerged, inspired by myths and legends transmitted through oral tradition by bards like Homer (c.750-800 <small>B.C.</small>).
+By 900 <small>B.C.</small>, monarchies across Greece had largely given way to [[Aristocracy|aristocracies]], as hereditary kings lost power or were reduced to ceremonial figures, with Sparta being the principal exception. The aristocrats, wielding iron weapons and amassing land, solidified their control at the expense of the lower farming classes, leading to renewed economic hardship and food shortages. After 800 <small>B.C.</small>, the pressure of overpopulation and social unrest prompted a wave of colonisation, initially encouraged by the ruling elites as a means of diffusing internal discontent. Greek city-states established settlements across the Mediterranean, spreading Hellenic culture far beyond the mainland. Major colonies took root along the Anatolian coast, in Libya, and along the Nile at Naucratis (founded in 640 <small>B.C.</small>). Greek traders and settlers also reached the coasts of Gaul and Iberia, as well as the northern shores of the Black Sea. These outposts reestablished Greece as a central force in Mediterranean trade, linking the region's economies once more, while at home a vibrant culture emerged, inspired by myths and legends transmitted through oral tradition by bards like Homer (c.750-800 <small>B.C.</small>).
 The expansion of trade brought an influx of luxury goods, including oils, wine, ivories, gold and silver, which in turn spurred advancements in metallurgy, pottery and other crafts. This technological and artistic growth enabled the Greeks to rival the Phoenicians, whose own trade networks were dominant in the Mediterranean. As commerce flourished, a more educated and cultivated population emerged, driven by an interest in philosophy, literature and the arts. The increased demand for labour also led to the widespread use of slaves, while the adoption of coinage, first introduced from Lydia, transformed economic practices. Individual city-states soon began minting their own coins, spurring competition and economic expansion.

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 The expansion of trade brought an influx of luxury goods, including oils, wine, ivories, gold and silver, which in turn spurred advancements in metallurgy, pottery and other crafts. This technological and artistic growth enabled the Greeks to rival the Phoenicians, whose own trade networks were dominant in the Mediterranean. As commerce flourished, a more educated and cultivated population emerged, driven by an interest in philosophy, literature and the arts. The increased demand for labour also led to the widespread use of slaves, while the adoption of coinage, first introduced from Lydia, transformed economic practices. Individual city-states soon began minting their own coins, spurring competition and economic expansion.
-In the cultural sphere, lyric poetry gained prominence, reflecting a growing appreciation for personal expression and artistic refinement. Greek art, once dominated by geometric patterns, shifted towards an oriental, or animal style, influenced by Eastern motifs and techniques. The early foundations of philosophy emerged with the Milesian School, where thinkers like Thales, Anaximenes and Anaximander pioneered new ideas in mathematics and logic, laying the groundwork for rational inquiry that would define Greek intellectual tradition in the centuries to come.
+In the cultural sphere, lyric poetry gained prominence, reflecting a growing appreciation for personal expression and artistic refinement. Greek art, once dominated by geometric patterns, shifted towards an oriental, or [[Animal|animal]] style, influenced by Eastern motifs and techniques. The early foundations of philosophy emerged with the Milesian School, where thinkers like Thales, Anaximenes and Anaximander pioneered new ideas in mathematics and logic, laying the groundwork for rational inquiry that would define Greek intellectual tradition in the centuries to come.
 === The Early Peloponnese ===

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 By 800 <small>B.C.</small>, Sparta had firmly established its dominance over the central Peloponnesian peninsula and extended its reach by colonising the fertile lands of Messenia. In its expansion, Sparta waged war against Tegea, the leading city of the Arcadians, a people still fragmented and largely backward compared to the more developed Greek city-states. The Arcadians maintained a religious unity centered around the ancient rites conducted on Mt. Lycaeum, but this did little to unify them politically. Meanwhile, Corinth had emerged as a significant commercial hub, exerting influence over its smaller neighbor Megara until 720 <small>B.C.</small>. Argos, despite claiming hegemony over Greece as the successor of Mycenae, remained a relatively weak power, unable to assert control over its rivals.
-In the First Messenian War (736-716 <small>B.C.</small>), Sparta, under the leadership of King Theopompus, launched a campaign to conquer Messenia. Following their victory, the Spartans seised the fertile plains and divided the land among themselves, forcing the native Messenians into servitude as helots, agricultural serfs bound to their Spartan masters. Alongside the Spartiates (full Spartan citizens) and the helots, there existed a third class known as the perioeci, free Laconians who lived in surrounding settlements but lacked full citizenship rights. Despite its growing military dominance, Sparta still maintained a vibrant cultural and intellectual life, particularly excelling in choral poetry, which was esteemed across Greece.
+In the First Messenian War (736-716 <small>B.C.</small>), Sparta, under the leadership of King Theopompus, launched a campaign to conquer Messenia. Following their victory, the Spartans seised the fertile plains and divided the land among themselves, forcing the native Messenians into servitude as helots, [[Agriculture (technology)|agricultural]] serfs bound to their Spartan masters. Alongside the Spartiates (full Spartan citizens) and the helots, there existed a third class known as the perioeci, free Laconians who lived in surrounding settlements but lacked full citizenship rights. Despite its growing military dominance, Sparta still maintained a vibrant cultural and intellectual life, particularly excelling in choral poetry, which was esteemed across Greece.
 [[File:Greek Tyranny.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]

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 During the Eastern Chao era, roughly 770 to 600 BCE, the feudal states began to consolidate their own power. The chief states included Qi and Lu, dividing the Shandong peninsula and the former Chao heartlands; Yan on the north coast near the Yellow Sea; Qin in modern Shanxi; Chu in the middle Yangtze River valley; and the small state of Shun west of Lu. These states maintained semi-independent administrations, levied taxes and conscripted armies, while their rulers still acknowledged the Chao king ceremonially.
 See also,<br>
-[[Classical Period]]
+[[Classical Period]]<br>
 [[History (sage study)]]<br>
 [[World History]]
-[[Category: Incomplete]]
+[[Category: Reviewed]]

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 == Babylon ==
-With the waning of the Kassites, '''Nebuchadnezzar I''' (1146-1123 <small>B.C.</small>) defeated the Elamites and consolidated the Middle Babylonian kingdom.  He broke the back of the Kassite nobility, conquered the Amorites and after a failed campaign against the Assyrians, made peace with them.  He would be succeeded first by his son Enlilnadin (1103-1100 <small>B.C.</small>), then by his brother Marduknadin (1099-1082 <small>B.C.</small>), who with other members of the court would put Enlilnadin to the sword so as to end the latter's campaign against Assyria.  Marduknadin would himself be assassinated by Mardukshapik (1082-1069 <small>B.C.</small>), his brother.
+With the waning of the Kassites, Nebuchadnezzar I (1146-1123 <small>B.C.</small>) defeated the Elamites and consolidated the Middle Babylonian Kingdom. He broke the power of the Kassite nobility, conquered the Amorites, and, after a failed campaign against Assyria, made peace with them. He was succeeded first by his son Enlilnadin (1103-1100 <small>B.C.</small>), then by his brother Marduknadin (1099-1082 <small>B.C.</small>), who, along with other members of the court, had Enlilnadin put to the sword to end his disastrous campaign against Assyria. Marduknadin would himself be assassinated by his brother Mardukshapik (1082-1069 <small>B.C.</small>), continuing the cycle of internal bloodshed.
-During this period of chaos, amidst a succession of unimportant kings, the Aramaeans would raid into Babylonia, while fractious wars with Assyria would continue.  The Kassites would reassert themselves (100-984); Babylonia would be plundered by the Aramaeans (977) and the kingdom would be restored under Nabumukin (977-943 <small>B.C.</small>).  King '''Shamash''' of Babylonia (917-900 <small>B.C.</small>) would be defeated by Adad-Ninari II in 902 <small>B.C.</small>, but though territory was lost, would remain in control of the kingdom.  Between 900 and 850 <small>B.C.</small>, Mesopotamia would be overrun by nomads, the Chaldaeans, who would settle in the marshes of the southeast, along the Persian Gulf.
+During this period of chaos, as a succession of weak and unimportant kings took the throne, Aramean tribes raided deep into Babylonia, while fratricidal wars with Assyria persisted. The Kassites briefly reasserted control (1000-984 <small>B.C.</small>), but Babylon was again plundered by the Arameans in 977 <small>B.C.</small>. Stability was temporarily restored under King Nabumukin (977-943 <small>B.C.</small>), but the kingdom remained weakened and vulnerable.
-The wars with Assyria were disastrous for Babylonia.  Shalmaneser III of Assyria sacked Babylon (843 <small>B.C.</small>), killing king Nabuapla.  Later kings were reduced to vassalage; Adad-ninari III of Assyria ruled Babylon as a viceroy under '''Semiramis''' (808-800 <small>B.C.</small>).  Later kings would become vassals until Babylon was finally subjugated by Tiglath-pileser III in 729.
+King Shamash of Babylonia (917-900 <small>B.C.</small>) was defeated by Adad-Nirari II in 902 <small>B.C.</small>, resulting in territorial losses, though Babylonia remained an independent state. Between 900 and 850 <small>B.C.</small>, Mesopotamia was overrun by nomadic Chaldean tribes, who settled in the marshes of the southeast, along the Persian Gulf.
-==== Chaldaean Babylon ====
+The wars with Assyria proved disastrous. Shalmaneser III of Assyria sacked Babylon in 843 <small>B.C.</small>, killing King Nabuapla and reducing Babylonian rulers to vassalage. Adad-Nirari III of Assyria later ruled Babylon as a viceroy under Queen Semiramis (808-800 <small>B.C.</small>). Subsequent kings remained subject to Assyrian rule, until Tiglath-Pileser III finally subjugated Babylon completely in 729 <small>B.C.</small>, marking the end of Babylon’s independence for nearly a century.
-After a series of unsuccessful rebellions against the Assyria, though these would sometimes grant momentary periods of self-rule for Babylonia, King '''Nabopolassar''' of Chaldaea (625-605 <small>B.C.</small>) united Babylonia.  Forming an alliance with '''Cyaxares''' of Medea, he confronted the Assyrians, seized the city of Nippur and took part in the destruction of Nineveh in 612 <small>B.C.</small>  Assyria collapsed and Nabopolassar established a dynasty that would last into the next century.
 == Scythia & Medea ==