The Iron Age is a historical period characterized by the widespread use of iron for tools and weapons. It followed the Bronze Age and is marked by advancements in technology and society. The Iron Age began at different times in various regions, starting around 1200 BCE in the Near East and later in Europe and Asia. During the Iron Age, societies became more complex, with the development of trade networks and urban centers. Cultures such as the Celts in Europe and the Hittites in Anatolia made significant contributions to art, warfare, and agriculture, shaping the foundations of future civilizations.