The Bronze Age is not a homogeneous period. The three stages that divide it show lifestyles that are very different from each other.
The Ancient Bronze Age
This stage covers about 2500 years and was the next after the Copper Age. This first period of the Bronze Age is characterized by the fact that we find collective burials, i.e., the corpses of the recently deceased are stacked in the same place as graves.
The human groups of this period, although they had already begun to develop agriculture in some parts of the world, still had a lifestyle characteristic of nomads, gathering fruit and hunting animals. They traveled from region to region looking for food, and when they ran out, they would change places to escape starvation.
Some groups developed agriculture and animal husbandry, developing special tools for tilling the land made of bronze. These first agricultural cultures settled in fixed locations, ceasing to be nomadic and becoming sedentary. They begin to develop the idea of ownership of land and what it gives them.
The luckiest farmers had surplus crops, which they traded for minerals or other foods with other pastoralists or members of neighboring cultures. Others who were not so fortunate preferred to attack those who had more in order to take over their assets. This is why weapons begin to appear at this time with the clear intention of defending themselves or attacking other people. The first wars emerge, albeit tribal ones.
The Middle Bronze Age
The Middle Bronze Age lasted approximately 400 years, although the beginning and duration of this period varies from region to region. Thanks to the better development of agriculture and pastoralism, as well as the better exploitation of steel resources, trade between human groups emerges.
It was at this time that the horse was domesticated, allowing for the transportation of goods from city to city with greater ease, especially with the help of carts and bags made of leather or vegetable fabrics.
Trade involves not only the exchange of food and metals, but also manufactured objects. At this time, the figure of the artisan gains strength and importance, allowing for the creation of better weapons and more advanced tools, in addition to the production of crafts such as vessels, jugs, or clothing.
As weapons become more developed and interest in controlling the land grows, warfare becomes more sophisticated.The first military campaigns with strategy are conducted, overcoming stick-and-stone-based tribal fighting with real battles with swords, shields, and rapiers.
The Final Bronze Age
The Final Bronze Age lasted approximately 400 years, although, as with other stages of the Bronze Age, its beginning and end vary from region to region. Traditionally, this period is seen as the transition to the Iron Age and major cultural changes occur.
During this time, differences between village members inherited from the two previous ages are noticeable. Whether because you are lucky enough to have farmland or because you are a skilled warrior or craftsman, there are people who have more wealth and prestige than the rest of their neighbors in town.
As cities become more complex, power figures emerge, similar to what the first kings were at the end of the centuries. To demonstrate their power, the richest members of these tribes adorned themselves with bronze and gold jewelry, hinting to the rest that they were above them.
As the art of war develops, better strategies are developed, and more damaging weapons are made, many villages begin to build walls or are founded on high places where they can have a good view of their surroundings. Swords are more damaging and effective, and the first spears are created. Fancy protective clothing such as shields, breastplates, and helmets are also created.