Intercultural exchange: Iron Age live in the Archaeological Museum!

Intercultural exchange: Iron Age live in the Archaeological Museum!

In the coming week, the Brandenburg State Archaeological Museum will be the venue for lively intercultural encounters from the Iron Age. At the “Archaeotechnica 2025” event, archaeologist Klaus Haller invites you to learn more about exchange and trade during this fascinating time. On July 26th and 27th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can immerse themselves in the world of the Iron Age and find out about technical skills that were spread nationwide back then. Admission is quite affordable at 5 euros for adults, 3.50 euros reduced and 10 euros for families. Children under 10 even have free entry.

Things get particularly exciting with the introduction of the Jastorf culture, which played a central role in the North Central European Iron Age. This culture, which dates from around 600 B.C. The culture that flourished until the turn of the century was the predecessor culture of the Elbe Germans. The Jastorf culture is known for its settlement area, which stretched from the Altmark to the North Sea and in which various influences, including Celtic, can be traced. Although the grave goods from this period are mostly modest, they bear witness to a complex social structure and the progressive development of metallurgical techniques. This shows how much the exchange with other cultures - such as the Celtic La Tène culture - shaped people's lives at the time and how important the transfer of iron technology was.

Economy and trade of the Iron Age

The Iron Age was not only characterized by technical innovations, but also by lively trade between different cultures. The transportation and distribution of hardware revolutionized everyday life and agriculture. According to studysmarter.de, blacksmithing developed significantly during this time, resulting in more robust farm tools and better weapons. The new iron plows enabled significant improvements in agriculture and helped people achieve higher yields.

Thanks to these technical advances, more complex social structures also emerged. Hierarchies emerged with kings, warriors and craftsmen who increasingly had to regulate access to resources such as iron and other metals. These developments were crucial for regional and national cooperation and created a network of trade relationships that formed the basis for the cultural exchange that Haller will illuminate in his presentations.

Practical experiences

Another highlight of “Archaeotechnica 2025” are the practical activities that Klaus Haller would like to offer at the stand. There, visitors can lend a hand and experience the techniques of the time. The opportunity to understand historical skills promises an exciting experience for young and old - and it is this type of intercultural exchange that makes the visit so special.

For history lovers and friends of archaeological finds, the event in the State Archaeological Museum is a real insider tip. This offers an excellent opportunity to delve into the peculiarities of the Jastorf culture and its connections with other cultural movements of the Iron Age. So if you are interested in history or are simply planning an informative and entertaining trip, you shouldn't miss the dates.