Definition of the Iron Age.

[D B Campbell]

I was always of the opinion, and understood the term to apply to the technology of the ages.

But with one important proviso: the Stone Age-Bronze Age-Iron Age terminology is designed to make sense of prehistoric cultures; that's its only purpose. So the system ends whenever (and wherever) the historic period begins. In (most of) Europe, that's the Roman period. In Ireland and Scotland, it's different, because there isn't really a "Roman" period there.

Once you realise that "Iron Age" is just a modern (19th C) invention designed to categorise the prehistoric remains of the later first millennium BC, it all falls into place. Sort of. :wink:

Edit: I just had a look at your Wikipedia link. It makes a pretty good attempt at explaining it, actually.