As iron technology spread through ancient Korea during the Samhan period, bronze weapons were replaced by iron weapons, including halberds with sharp steel blades, spearheads, arrowheads, and knives. Given that bronze is a relatively weak metal, weapons of bronze probably were not used in actual combat, instead serving as symbolic objects representing the status of elite individuals. By contrast, iron weapons were powerful objects that served a clear function for war and violence, and their use had a major impact on ancient societies.