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Iron tools made farming much easier as they were stronger. It also meant that by the start of this period people had stopped working with, and mining for, flint. A type of iron sickle would be used to cut the grain at harvest time. There was a need for many craftsmen to work with iron and also bronze which was still being used. It could take a skilled craftsman almost a year to make a set of wheels for a cart or chariot. By the end of the Iron Age the clay pots, for eating, were made on a wheel so that they became rounder and more regular in shape. The animals which had to be looked after not only provided food but also wool, hides and manure. There was very little waste and at harvest time every little bit of grain would be collected. As well as craftsmen there were also merchants and traders who would travel around selling their goods or travel across from Europe. Britons had high quality wool, cloth, grain and even specially trained hunting dogs, all of which they exchanged for glass, pottery, figs, spices and exotic perfumes. It was also likely that slaves would be exchanged, maybe for fine wine. The iron tools allowed many tribes to have a surplus of goods so trading was easier between tribes. It seems likely that by now people had some form of candle light to extend their working day. The candles, as we have said elsewhere, did not give off a very pleasant smell. Your choice was light or fresh air.
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