The defining characteristic of the Bronze Age was the use of metalworking, specifically bronze, for tools, weapons, and various artifacts. This period, which began around 3300 BCE in some regions, marked a significant advancement from the previous Neolithic era characterized by stone tools. The ability to create bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, led to improvements in agriculture, warfare, and trade. Societies became more complex, with the emergence of centralized authority, urbanization, and the development of writing systems, paving the way for future historical advancements.