Iberians

Lady of Elche at the National Arquaeological Museum, Madrid (Spain)

Guerrer Moixent Bastida

Silver plate - Tresor de Tivissa - Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya - Barcelona 2014

Monumento de Pozo Moro (M.A.N. Inv.1999-76-A) 02

Iberia 218-217BC-es

Iberians were the pre-Roman inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern-day Spain, Portugal, and part of France. The term "Iberian" is also used to describe the languages spoken in this area before the Roman conquest. The Iberians lived in various tribes and had a rich culture, which included writing, art, and advanced metalworking skills.

Origins and History

The origins of the Iberians are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have arrived in the Iberian Peninsula during the late Bronze Age. They were not a unified nation but a collection of tribes with similar cultural traits and languages. The Iberians engaged in trade with the Phoenicians and Greeks, who established colonies along the coast, which influenced Iberian society significantly.

Culture

Iberian culture was complex and varied from region to region. They were known for their skills in metalworking, especially with bronze and iron. The Iberians produced weapons, jewelry, and other goods which they traded with neighboring peoples. Their art, particularly sculptures and pottery, displayed a high level of craftsmanship and is a valuable source of information about their society and beliefs.

Iberian religion appears to have been polytheistic, worshipping a variety of local and pan-Mediterranean deities. They practiced both cremation and inhumation, with elaborate burial customs that varied significantly across different regions and periods.

Language

The Iberian language or languages are not well understood but are known from inscriptions using a script that is partly deciphered. The Iberian script is unique, although it shows influences from Phoenician and Greek writing systems. The languages are considered to be non-Indo-European, with possible links to the Basque language, which is still spoken in the western Pyrenees.

Economy

The economy of the Iberian societies was based on agriculture, herding, metalworking, and trade. They cultivated various crops, including wheat, barley, and grapes for wine production. The Iberians were also skilled metalworkers, producing tools, weapons, and decorative items. Trade with the Greeks, Phoenicians, and later the Romans played a significant role in the Iberian economy, introducing new goods and ideas into the peninsula.

Military

Iberian warriors were highly regarded by their contemporaries, including the Romans. They fought as infantry, armed with swords, spears, and shields, and were known for their guerrilla tactics. The Iberians also fielded cavalry, which played a significant role in their warfare strategies.

Roman Conquest

The Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula began in the 2nd century BC and was completed by the time of Augustus in the 1st century BC. The Iberians resisted Roman expansion fiercely but were eventually subdued. Roman rule brought significant changes to Iberian society, including the introduction of Latin, which led to the gradual disappearance of the Iberian languages.

Legacy

The legacy of the Iberians is evident in the archaeological remains scattered across the Iberian Peninsula, including settlements, tombs, and artifacts. The influence of Iberian culture can also be seen in the development of Roman Hispania and the subsequent history of Spain and Portugal.