The Age that followed the Bronze Age is the Iron Age. It is characterized by the use of iron instead of bronze for making tools and weapons. The Iron Age began around 1200 BCE in the Near East and later spread to other regions of the world. It marked a significant development in human history as iron tools and weapons were much stronger and durable than bronze ones. The Iron Age also saw the rise of several civilizations such as the Hittites, Assyrians, and Greeks, who made significant advancements in technology, art, and culture.