A woman buried in United Kingdom in the Middle Iron Age to Late Iron Age era

The Middle to Late Iron Age in Wales spans approximately from 400 BCE to the Roman invasion around 43 CE. This era is a period of significant cultural, social, and technological development for the Celtic tribes inhabiting the region. The landscape of Wales during this time is characterized by hillforts, complex tribal societies, and a vibrant Celtic culture.

Geography and Environment:

The topography of Wales, with its mountains, valleys, and coastline, played a crucial role in shaping the settlements and lifestyle during the Iron Age. The rugged terrain provided natural defenses and resources such as timber, minerals, and fertile land for agriculture.

Social Structure:

Iron Age Wales was inhabited by various Celtic tribes, such as the Silures in the south, the Ordovices in the central and northern regions, and the Deceangli in the northeast. The tribal society was hierarchical, with a class of nobility or warrior elites at the top, followed by craftsmen, farmers, and warriors. Druids, as spiritual leaders and intellectuals, held significant influence over religious and educational aspects of life.

Settlements and Architecture:

The period is notable for its hillforts, which are among the most iconic architectural features of Iron Age Wales. These were fortified settlements located on elevated ground, providing strategic advantages and defense against raids. Hillforts varied in size and complexity, featuring ramparts, ditches, and wooden or stone structures. Examples include Tre’r Ceiri and Penycloddiau. Roundhouses were standard residential structures, built with thatched roofs and wattle-and-daub walls.

Economy and Technology:

The economy was primarily agrarian, with communities engaging in farming, livestock rearing, and trading. Technological advancements in ironworking allowed for the production of superior tools and weapons, enhancing productivity and warfare capabilities. The Celts also engaged in trade, both among local tribes and with continental Europe, exporting goods like metals, livestock, and textiles.

Art and Culture:

Celtic art from this period is renowned for its intricate designs, characterized by swirling patterns, spirals, and motifs inspired by nature. Metalwork, pottery, and textiles were adorned with these decorative elements. The Celts of Wales had a rich oral tradition, with bards and storytellers playing a key role in preserving and conveying stories, myths, and histories.

Religion and Beliefs:

Religion was deeply woven into everyday life, with the Celts practicing a polytheistic belief system that revered natural elements and deities. Sacred sites such as lakes, rivers, and groves held spiritual significance. Rituals and offerings were common practices, often overseen by the druids, who served as intermediaries between the divine and the human realms.

Conflict and Warfare:

Intertribal warfare was frequent, influenced by territorial disputes, resource control, and social prestige. Iron Age warriors were adept in the use of chariots and iron weapons, and the construction of hillforts underscores the need for defense and military readiness.

Interaction with the Romans:

By the late Iron Age, the influence of the expanding Roman Empire was felt in Wales. Initial interactions included trade and cultural exchange, but eventually, these encounters led to military confrontations. The Roman conquest of Wales was a gradual process, culminating in the full annexation and integration of Welsh tribes into the Roman province of Britannia.

The Middle to Late Iron Age in Wales represents a dynamic and transformative period where indigenous Celtic societies flourished culturally and economically, laying the foundation for the historical developments that would follow with the advent of Roman rule.