Iron Age Britain, covering roughly 800 BCE to the Roman invasion in 43 CE, was a period marked by significant changes in society, economy, and health. The health of Iron Age Britons was shaped by their environment, diet, lifestyle, and technological advancements, which in turn were influenced by their cultural practices, social organization, and interactions with other societies.

Environment and Settlement Patterns

Iron Age Britons lived in a predominantly rural landscape with scattered settlements, hillforts, and small farming communities. These settlements were typically located near rivers or on high ground, providing access to water, fertile land, and protection from invaders. Living in these rural environments, they relied heavily on farming, animal husbandry, and foraging for survival.

The proximity to nature and reliance on agriculture exposed the population to various environmental challenges, including weather fluctuations, poor harvests, and limited access to certain resources. These factors influenced their overall health and well-being. The landscape, with its rolling hills and dense forests, also meant that travel and trade were relatively slow, and local resources dictated much of the population’s health and nutrition.

Diet and Nutrition

Iron Age Britons had a predominantly agrarian lifestyle, and their diet was largely based on the crops they cultivated and the animals they raised. Common crops included wheat, barley, oats, and beans, which were used to make bread, porridge, and other staple foods. Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, provided meat, milk, cheese, and wool. Hunting and fishing also supplemented their diet, adding wild game and fish to their food sources.

However, the diet of Iron Age Britons was not as varied as in later periods, and their reliance on a limited range of foods may have led to nutritional deficiencies. Archaeological evidence from skeletal remains suggests that malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in iron and other essential vitamins, was common. This is reflected in signs of anemia and stunted growth in many of the skeletal remains studied from this period. Additionally, the heavy reliance on cereals, which can be low in certain nutrients, could have contributed to these deficiencies.

On the other hand, the Iron Age diet also had some strengths. The consumption of whole grains, legumes, and fresh meat provided a relatively balanced intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Fermented foods, such as bread and dairy products, were common, and these could have contributed to gut health. The diet was likely seasonal, with more fresh vegetables and fruits consumed in the warmer months and a heavier reliance on preserved foods during the winter.

Dental Health

The dental health of Iron Age Britons offers insights into their overall diet and nutrition. Studies of skeletal remains show a high prevalence of tooth decay, abscesses, and wear. The consumption of coarse, unrefined grains and a lack of modern dental hygiene likely contributed to these dental issues. The grinding of grains using stone querns also resulted in small stone particles mixing with flour, leading to excessive wear on teeth. Tooth wear could also have been caused by the use of teeth for non-food-related activities, such as softening leather or working with other materials.

Interestingly, despite the prevalence of tooth decay, there is evidence that Iron Age Britons were able to survive with poor dental health for extended periods. This suggests that while dental issues were common, they were not necessarily life-threatening, or that individuals received enough care and support from their communities to live with these conditions.

Disease and Illness

Iron Age Britons, like many pre-modern populations, were vulnerable to a range of diseases and illnesses. Poor sanitation, limited medical knowledge, and close living quarters likely contributed to the spread of infectious diseases. Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and skin conditions were likely common, particularly in the more densely populated hillforts and settlements.

Skeletal remains from the period show evidence of a variety of health issues, including infections, joint diseases, and trauma. Tuberculosis (TB) and other respiratory illnesses may have been widespread, particularly in colder months when people spent more time indoors around open fires, leading to smoke inhalation. Evidence of arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions suggests that many people engaged in physically demanding labor, which took a toll on their bodies over time.

Parasites, such as intestinal worms, were likely a common health issue due to the lack of sanitation and the use of animal manure as fertilizer. These parasites could have caused a range of symptoms, including malnutrition, fatigue, and weakened immune function. The consumption of contaminated water and food may also have led to outbreaks of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses.

Trauma and Injuries

Iron Age society, particularly in the later stages, was characterized by increasing levels of violence and warfare. The construction of hillforts and other defensive structures indicates a growing concern with protection and conflict. Skeletal evidence shows a significant number of injuries consistent with combat, including fractures, blunt force trauma, and injuries from weapons such as swords, spears, and arrows.

However, not all injuries were the result of warfare. Many injuries, such as broken bones, were likely caused by accidents related to farming, construction, and daily activities. Evidence of healed fractures and other injuries suggests that some individuals survived significant trauma, indicating that Iron Age communities may have had ways of caring for the injured, even if medical knowledge was limited.

Childbirth and Maternal Health

Childbirth in the Iron Age was likely a dangerous process, with high rates of maternal and infant mortality. Archaeological evidence shows that women often suffered from conditions related to childbirth, including pelvic deformities and infections. Many skeletal remains of women show signs of osteoarthritis in the pelvic region, possibly as a result of repeated pregnancies and the strain of childbirth.

Infant mortality was also high, with many children not surviving past the age of five. The causes of infant mortality likely included malnutrition, infections, and congenital conditions. The lack of advanced medical knowledge and the limited availability of treatments would have made it difficult to address complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Social Inequality and Health

Like many ancient societies, Iron Age Britain was not a classless society, and social inequality likely played a role in determining an individual’s health and well-being. Archaeological evidence suggests that some individuals had access to better diets and more comfortable living conditions than others. The presence of prestige goods, such as fine pottery, jewelry, and imported goods, in certain burials indicates that a wealthy elite existed, and these individuals may have enjoyed better health as a result of their status.

Conversely, poorer individuals likely had less access to nutritious food, clean water, and adequate shelter, making them more vulnerable to disease and malnutrition. The division of labor within Iron Age communities, with men typically engaging in more physically demanding tasks such as farming and building, and women focusing on domestic duties, may have also contributed to differences in health outcomes between genders.

Medicine and Healing Practices

Iron Age Britons had a limited understanding of medicine and relied on a combination of herbal remedies, superstition, and practical knowledge to treat illnesses and injuries. Plants and herbs such as yarrow, willow, and meadowsweet, which have known medicinal properties, were likely used to treat pain, inflammation, and other common ailments. The use of natural remedies, however, was based more on trial and error than scientific understanding.

Healers or druids may have played a role in administering these treatments, though their knowledge was likely limited by the lack of formal medical training. There is little evidence to suggest that Iron Age Britons practiced surgery, and most injuries or diseases would have been treated with rest, herbal remedies, and supportive care. In some cases, supernatural explanations for illness may have been invoked, with healing rituals or offerings made to deities in an attempt to cure the sick.

Mental Health

The concept of mental health, as understood today, did not exist in Iron Age Britain. However, it is likely that Iron Age Britons, like all human societies, experienced mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and grief. The challenges of daily life, including the constant threat of violence, food insecurity, and disease, would have placed significant stress on individuals and communities.

There is no direct evidence of how mental health issues were addressed in Iron Age Britain, but it is possible that community and family support systems played a role in helping individuals cope with emotional and psychological distress. Rituals, social gatherings, and spiritual practices may have provided a sense of comfort and connection, helping people deal with the stresses of life.

Impact of the Roman Invasion

The Roman invasion of Britain in 43 CE brought significant changes to the health and lifestyle of the population. The introduction of Roman infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and public baths, improved sanitation and access to clean water in some areas. Roman medical knowledge, which was more advanced than that of Iron Age Britons, also began to influence local practices.

However, the Roman invasion also brought new challenges to the health of the population. The spread of Roman cities and military garrisons led to increased urbanization, which in turn contributed to the spread of diseases in more densely populated areas. The imposition of Roman agricultural practices, taxes, and social systems may have also disrupted traditional ways of life, leading to changes in diet, work, and social structure that impacted health.

Questions and answers the about health and life in Iron Age Britain:

What was a common cause of death in Iron Age Britain, especially in infancy or early childhood?

Disease was a common cause of death, particularly in infancy or early childhood.

How long did most adults live in Iron Age Britain?

Most adults lived between 35 to 45 years, with only about a third living longer than this.

What percentage of Iron Age individuals suffered from arthritis, and what likely caused this condition?

At least a quarter of Iron Age individuals suffered from arthritis, likely caused by physically demanding labor such as plowing, harvesting, and carrying heavy loads.

Why did women in Iron Age Britain often suffer from arthritis in the leg joints?

Women likely developed arthritis in the leg joints due to squatting for long periods while performing domestic chores like grinding grain or preparing food.

How was dental health in Iron Age Britain, and why was it worse for women than for men?

Dental health was generally poor, and women’s teeth were in worse condition than men’s, likely due to calcium deficiencies related to frequent pregnancies and breastfeeding.

What dietary deficiencies were common in Iron Age Britain, and what condition did it cause?

Iron deficiencies were common, leading to anemia in up to half of children and a quarter of adults.

How did anemia affect people in Iron Age Britain?

Anemia weakened the immune system, caused fatigue, and made individuals more susceptible to illness.

What were some of the main health challenges faced by the people of Iron Age Britain?

The main health challenges included high infant mortality rates, arthritis, poor dental health, and nutritional deficiencies like anemia. Physical labor and inadequate nutrition further contributed to these issues.