The Iron Age is known for significant technological advancements, particularly in metallurgy and the widespread use of iron for tools and weapons. Emerging around 1200 BCE, this period marked a transition from the Bronze Age, characterized by the development of iron smelting techniques that allowed for stronger, more durable tools. The availability of iron revolutionized agriculture, warfare, and construction, leading to increased productivity and the ability to support larger populations. The rise of iron technology also fostered social changes, as societies became more complex and hierarchically structured, ultimately setting the foundation for the eventual rise of empires and advanced civilizations.