Pre-Roman Peoples and Protohistory of the Iberian Peninsula
After the long Paleolithic period, which completed the process of humanization leading to the species Homo sapiens sapiens, the Neolithic period began in the Iberian Peninsula, lasting approximately from 5000 to 3000 BC. New communities settled as farmers, creating permanent settlements.
The Metal Age began with the Copper Age (around 3000 BC), continuing with the Bronze Age (starting around 2000 BC). By 1200 BC, the first of a series of invasions by Indo-Europeans, specifically the Celts, took place.
This transition marks the beginning of Protohistory: the period between the Indo-European invasion (1200 BC) and the Roman invasion in the second half of the third century BC. From this era, numerous archaeological remains have been found, supplemented by the earliest Greek and Roman written accounts concerning the Iberian Peninsula. These testimonials, however, remain difficult to interpret.
The Pre-Roman Peoples of Iberia
Tartessos
A brilliant civilization that developed in southwestern Spain during the first half of the first millennium BC.
Tartessos is still surrounded by mystery. Greek and biblical texts describe it as a rich civilization. Important remains have been found, such as the Treasury of El Carambolo (600–550 BC), though these findings do not fully align with the descriptions found in contemporary texts.
It is widely believed that Tartessos was a major trading hub that benefited a powerful aristocracy. However, in the mid-first millennium BC, Tartessos collapsed. The reasons remain debated:
- Was it due to military action by the Carthaginians?
- Or was it caused by internal socio-economic problems?
The Iberians: Peoples of the South and East
In the southern and eastern Mediterranean regions, several tribes settled (e.g., Indigetes, Turdetani) that shared common cultural features and possibly a common or similar language.
Contact with Mediterranean colonizers significantly drove their cultural development. Their economy was based on agriculture and livestock, supplemented by trade and mining. Key characteristics of Iberian society include:
- Settlements were small towns located in easily defensible areas.
- Society was highly hierarchical (aristocracy, commoners, slaves).
- They were ruled by kings who governed one or more cities.
- They produced highly refined art, exemplified by the famous Lady of Elche.
Celtiberians: Peoples of the Center and West
In the central and western regions, the influence of Mediterranean colonizers arrived very weakly, and the presence of Celtic (Indo-European speaking peoples) was important. They were called Celtiberians (e.g., Ilergetes, Carpetani, Lusitanians).
Their economy was based on agriculture and livestock, with trade playing a lesser role. Their society was characterized by strong tribal cohesion, and they inhabited fortified villages, such as Numantia.
Artistically, the verracos (large animal sculptures, often bulls or boars) are notable, particularly among the Vettones in the Tagus valley. These sculptures were linked to agricultural cults. The most famous example is the Bulls of Guisando.
The Peoples of the North
Groups such as the Gallaeci, Astures, Cántabros, Varduli, and Basques settled across the northern strip, stretching from Galicia to the Aragonese Pyrenees.
These were peoples whose development was relatively delayed compared to the south. Their economy was based primarily on farming, gathering, and fishing, with agriculture playing a minor role.
Archaeologically, the most significant sites are the castros (fortified villages of circular houses) built by the Gallaeci. A prime example is the Castro of Coaña. These northern peoples were known for their strong belief in magical practices and the development of divination.