1000s BC (decade) facts for kids

The 1000s BC was a ten-year period that started in 1009 BC and ended in 1000 BC. This time was part of the 11th century BC and saw many important changes around the world, especially as the Iron Age began.

Map of the Eastern Hemisphere around 1000 BC.

Key Events and Changes

This decade was a time of big developments across different parts of the world.

New Kingdoms and Cultures

• In 1006 BC, David became the king of the ancient United Kingdom of Israel. This kingdom grew very large and powerful around 1000 BC, which was seen as its "golden age."
• The Nok culture started in what is now Nigeria. This culture is famous for its unique terracotta sculptures.
• Around 1000 BC, people known as the Latins moved into Italy from the Danube region. They were ancestors of the Romans.
• Also in Italy, the Villanovans began to settle in the northern and western parts. They were known for their metalwork and burial customs.
• The Assyrians, a powerful group, started to expand their control over nearby lands.
• In Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the city of Priene was founded around 1000 BC.

Technological and Cultural Leaps

• Around 1000 BC, the Iron Age officially began. This meant people started using iron more often to make tools and weapons, which was a big step forward from the Bronze Age.
• The Phoenician alphabet was invented around this time. This alphabet was very important because it became the basis for many modern alphabets, including the one we use today!
• In Kenya, the earliest signs of farming in the highlands appeared. This shows how agriculture was spreading.
• In Vietnam, people started growing rice around 1000 BC, which became a very important food source.
• Evidence from 2005 suggests that the Proto-Dravidian language, an ancient language spoken in India, was around at this time.

Changes in the Americas

• In the Andes mountains of South America, the Early Horizon period began.
• Two important cultures, the Chavin culture and the Paracas culture, also started in the Andes around 1000 BC. These cultures developed unique art and social structures.

People and Population

• Around 1000 BC, the estimated World population was about 50,000,000 people.
• The Hungarian language began to separate from its closest related languages, the Ob-Ugric languages.
• The Ancient Iranian peoples started to move into the region known as Persia.
• The people who would later be known as the Illyrians also began their historical journey around this time.
• The Cherchen Man, an ancient mummy, is roughly dated to this period using carbon-14 dating.

Important People of the Era

This period saw the lives of several figures who are remembered in history and ancient texts.

Kings of Israel

• Saul was a king of Israel, ruling from 1037 BC to 1010 BC, according to the Bible and Torah.
• David became king of the ancient Israelites in 1006 BC and ruled until 965 BC. He is a very famous figure in history.
• Solomon, another king of Israel, also lived around this time.

Other Notable Figures

• Zoroaster was an ancient prophet from Iran. His exact dates are debated, but some estimates place him around 1000 BC.