'The importance of Iron Age hill forts' is a resource from 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?', a Year 3 History lesson from the unit Stone age. This lesson uses an enquiry-approach method, and will facilitate students answering the question 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?'

The significance of Iron Age hill forts is rooted in their multifaceted role within ancient communities. These structures, often surrounded by ditches and walls, served as a stronghold where people lived and warriors trained, always ready for battle. The architectural design of Iron Age hill forts was practical and communal. Families resided in round houses, which were compact, one-room structures with conical thatched roofs. The construction materials were simple yet effective, with walls made from wattle and daub, a combination of interwoven twigs and mud. Inside these homes, the central feature was a fire pit, essential for cooking and providing warmth. The walls were typically lined with jars for food storage, and the sleeping areas comprised straw bedding with animal hides for warmth and comfort.

Agriculture played a pivotal role in the daily life of those residing in hill forts, with the cultivation of various crops and vegetables being common practice. Livestock such as cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and geese were also reared, contributing to the community's sustenance and economy. In addition to farming, Iron Age society included skilled individuals who contributed through their craftsmanship. Potters, carpenters, and metalworkers were among the tradespeople who supported the community with their expertise. The establishment of hill forts during the Iron Age marked a significant evolutionary step in Britain's prehistoric period, reflecting advancements in social organisation, defence mechanisms, and domestic life. Their creation was a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of Iron Age peoples in response to their environment and the needs of their communities.

'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important? - Presentation' is a resource from 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?', a Year 3 History lesson from the unit Stone age. This lesson uses an enquiry-approach method, and will facilitate students answering the question 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?'

Presentation

Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important? - Presentation

'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important? - Teacher notes' is a resource from 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?', a Year 3 History lesson from the unit Stone age. This lesson uses an enquiry-approach method, and will facilitate students answering the question 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?'

Teacher notes

Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important? - Teacher notes

'Iron Age hill forts - Writing task' is a resource from 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?', a Year 3 History lesson from the unit Stone age. This lesson uses an enquiry-approach method, and will facilitate students answering the question 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?'

Iron Age hill forts - Writing task

Create an Iron Age Hill fort Diagram is an invaluable teaching resource for helping to explain the importance of Iron Age hill forts. This resource encourages students to explore the question through engaging practical activities, such as creating a diagram of a hill fort. This lesson will draw on previously taught knowledge of Iron Age history, including Bronze and early Iron Age, the construction of Maiden Castle, the development of hill forts in the South West of England, and their use as fortified refuges or small towns following Roman conquest. This activity is part of the lesson, “Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?”.This interactive teaching resource includes features that make lesson planning simpler for teachers. These features include a discussion of the evidence for hillforts from the period, such as wooden walls, thatched roofs, and external ditches, as well as details about the defensive advantages of a hill fort, like one or more lines of ramparts, such as at Wat's Dyke and Cadbury Castle, and linear earthworks. The resource also provides background information about the late Bronze and early Iron Age in Britain for a comprehensive understanding of the period, such as weapons and enemies the people of the time faced, and what was needed to attack and defend a hill fort.Using this teaching resource, teachers can easily engage their students in exploring the key question by guiding them through the creation of a hill fort diagram. By providing students with a practical activity, they will gain a greater understanding of the shape and construction of hillforts, and what enabled them to be effective in protecting people, land, and tools in a complex and turbulent period. As an extension, teachers can also introduce archaeological evidence for hill forts, such as graves and temples, to further expand the students’ understanding of the period.Features:<ul><li>Discussion of evidence from the period, such as wooden walls, thatched roofs, and external ditches</li><li>An exploration of the defensive advantages of a hill fort, like one or more lines of ramparts, such as at Wat’s Dyke and Cadbury Castle</li><li>Linear earthworks</li><li>Background information about the late Bronze and early Iron Age in Britain, such as weapons and enemies the people of the time faced, and what is needed to attack and defend a hill fort</li><li>Practical activities, such as creating a diagram of a hill fort</li><li>Archaeological evidence for hill forts, such as graves and temples</li></ul>This teaching resource not only expands the students' knowledge of Iron Age hill forts, but also makes lesson planning easier for teachers. By providing features like background information, discussions of evidence from the period, and practical activities, teachers can easily guide their students through an exploration of Iron Age hill forts. The interactive nature of this teaching resource also encourages students to think critically and deepen their understanding of the topic in an engaging and enjoyable way.

Create a diagram of a hill fort

Year 3 History lesson from the unit Stone age. This lesson uses an enquiry-approach method, and will facilitate students answering the question 'Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?'

Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important?

Year 3

History

Stone Age

The importance of Iron Age hill forts

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