Prehistoric Britain (1/11)

Summary

This video explores the rich history of Britain, starting from its frozen, desolate landscape 33,000 years ago to the emergence of early human settlers. It traces the development of Britain through key stages, including the arrival of Neanderthals, the rise of Homo sapiens, the agricultural revolution, the Bronze and Iron Ages, and the rise of Celtic culture. The narrative highlights major milestones such as the construction of ancient monuments like Stonehenge, the advent of farming, and the eventual influence of the Roman Empire, ultimately shaping the land and its people into what we recognize today.

Takeaways

• 😀 33,000 years ago, Britain was a frozen wasteland, and humans and large mammals, like mammoths, roamed the land.
• 😀 The first human remains in Britain date back 800,000 years, with several species of humans, including Neanderthals, coexisting at different times.
• 😀 Around 30,000 years ago, the ice age enveloped Britain, making it inhospitable for humans until the ice began to melt 20,000 years later.
• 😀 As the ice melted, temperate forests replaced the icy tundra, and Britain became a separate island after sea levels rose.
• 😀 The first permanent human settlements in Britain date back to around 9,000 years ago, with a population of around 5,000 people during the Mesolithic period.
• 😀 Around 6,000 BCE, Britain became an island, and the first farmers arrived 2,000 years later, bringing seeds, livestock, and new farming techniques.
• 😀 The Neolithic period saw the construction of monumental stone structures like Stonehenge, indicating a society influenced by religious and cosmological beliefs.
• 😀 The introduction of bronze around 3,000 BCE marked the beginning of a new age of trade and wealth, with the construction of villages and a more complex society.
• 😀 Iron, discovered around 1,000 BCE, was stronger and more versatile than bronze, leading to improved farming tools and the creation of the first machines.
• 😀 The Iron Age saw the rise of warrior leaders and the use of mounted warfare, alongside the development of coinage to symbolize royal authority.
• 😀 By 100 BCE, Britain’s population had grown to 1-2 million, with the influence of Celtic culture, the spread of trade, and contact with the Roman Empire.
• 😀 Druidic spiritual leaders played a key role in unifying Celtic society and maintaining regional connections across Britain and Europe.

Q & A

What was the state of Britain 33,000 years ago?

33,000 years ago, Britain was a frozen wasteland, part of a much colder landscape. It was not yet an island, and its terrain was covered in ice and inhabited by large herds of mammoth, reindeer, and wild horses.

What kinds of humans were present in Britain before Homo sapiens?

Before Homo sapiens, several human species lived in Britain, including Neanderthals. These species coexisted with Homo sapiens for thousands of years before our species became the sole human inhabitants of the land.

How did the Ice Age affect human habitation in Britain?

The Ice Age, which lasted for approximately 20,000 years, made Britain uninhabitable for humans. Ice covered parts of the land, preventing any human settlement until the warming climate allowed people to return.

What key development occurred around 6,000 BCE in Britain?

Around 6,000 BCE, as the ice melted and sea levels rose, Britain became an island. This was also the time when the first farmers arrived by boat, introducing agriculture to the land.

What is the significance of Stonehenge in prehistoric Britain?

Stonehenge, built during the Neolithic period, is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in Britain. It was part of a larger group of stone circles and tombs, and its construction likely had religious and cosmological significance.

How did farming impact the society of prehistoric Britain?

Farming provided a surplus of food, enabling people to settle in permanent communities. This surplus supported population growth, allowed for the specialization of labor, and led to the construction of monumental structures.

What technological advancements marked the Bronze Age in Britain?

The Bronze Age in Britain saw the use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, to make stronger and more effective tools and weapons. This included better axes and swords, marking a significant advancement in technology and commerce.

What role did trade play in Britain's development during the Bronze Age?

Trade played a crucial role in the Bronze Age, as Britain traded goods like tin and copper with other parts of Europe, including the Mediterranean. This exchange of goods also brought luxury items and new ideas, boosting Britain's economic and social development.

What was the impact of the Iron Age on Britain?

The Iron Age brought advancements in metallurgy with the use of iron for tools and weapons, which were stronger and more versatile than bronze. This period also saw the rise of warrior leaders and the use of horses in warfare, significantly altering the social and military landscape.

How did the Celtic culture influence Britain before Roman occupation?

Celtic culture in Britain was characterized by a shared language, art, and religious beliefs, with druids playing a central role in society. Despite regional differences, the Celts' cultural and spiritual unity helped shape early British civilization.