While most houses in the Bronze Age were very similar to Neolithic houses (wattle-and-daub walls, thatched roofs), there were a couple of changes. Firstly, they were bigger (usually about 6 metres across) and circular. Secondly, houses and other smaller buildings were enclosed behind timber fences, earth embankments and ditches. These may have been to defend the people from attacks, keep their animals safe at night, or both.
Burials
Some Bronze Age burials were similar to those of Neolithic period. Wedge tombs were smaller versions of portal dolmens.
As the population of the island grew during the Bronze Age, cist graves became more common. These were less diffi cult to build; just stone-lined graves in the ground. The body was buried in a crouched or foetal position with its grave goods.
An archaeologist excavating a cist grave Go to page 15 of your Sources and Skills Book for an evidence task.
CHECKPOINT!
1. Which two metals were used to make bronze? 2. Why was the use of metal important? 3. What was a fulacht fi adh and how was it used? 4. What types of jewellery were made in the Bronze Age?
5. How were houses in the Bronze Age (a) similar to and (b) different from those of the Neolithic period?
6. Describe a cist grave. . I can describe life in Bronze Age Ireland. TIME TO GO BACK I CAN MOVE FORWARD
