What was the earliest settlement in Birmingham?

The earliest settlement in Birmingham dates back to the 6th century, when it was a small village known as "Birmingeham." It was initially a farming community situated along the River Rea. The settlement began to grow in significance during the Middle Ages, particularly in the 12th century, as it developed into a market town and later became a hub for metalworking and industry. This transformation laid the groundwork for Birmingham's expansion into a major industrial city.