Hominization and Colonization of the Iberian Peninsula
Process of Hominization
The first representatives of the genus Homo from Africa arrived in Europe at the beginning of the Pleistocene, which began 1.5 million years ago and was characterized by a succession of four glaciations. Our ancestors, affected by these glaciations, sought refuge in more southern areas, among them the Iberian Peninsula. This explains why the oldest hominid fossil remains found in Europe (dating from 800,000 BC) are located in Spain, in the Sierra de Atapuerca. These remains, accompanied by carved stones, belonged to Homo antecessor, ancestor of both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, who would also come from Africa. The Neanderthals were of stocky build and strong, used controlled fire, and buried their dead.
In the Balearic and Canary Islands, the arrival of humans occurred at a later date, around the 3rd or 1st millennium BC. The first settlers already knew sapiens and were familiar with agriculture and livestock. Most historians argue that they arrived not by crossing the Straits of Gibraltar but through the Pyrenees (Pyrenean route).
The oldest technologies found in the peninsula date back to the Paleolithic, at the end of the last glaciation. People lived by hunting, fishing, scavenging, gathering, and shellfish gathering. This period saw the development of religious feeling and artistic sensibility, evidenced by:
- Engraving and painting in red and black, such as those found in the cave of Altamira (Cantabria).
- Manufacture of stone tools.
- Rock carvings on the terraces of the rivers.
The Lower Paleolithic is characterized by occupation of terraces, caves, and shelters, mastery of fire, and funeral rites. The Upper Paleolithic saw the creation of tools made of ivory, bone, and horn, as well as distance hunting and fishing, portable art, and rock art. The appearance of agriculture and livestock is known as the Mesolithic period.
Historical Colonization: Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians
From 750 BC, the indigenous cultures of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands came into contact with peoples from the more developed Mediterranean: the Phoenicians and Greeks. These groups knew the alphabet and practiced writing, and their technology was more advanced, employing iron. They reached the western end of Europe to set up their colonies and stable cities. These people were followed by the Carthaginians.
The relations with these peoples introduced the indigenous inhabitants of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands to writing. This period, known as Protohistory, coincides with the start of the Iron Age and the establishment of the first Phoenician colonies, ending with the arrival of Roman troops in 218 BC.
The first to settle were the Phoenicians, who dominated navigation and commerce in the Mediterranean. They founded colonies such as Gades (Cadiz), Malaca (Malaga), and Sexi (Almuñécar).
The Greeks and Carthaginians came to the peninsula, interested in the abundance of metals. The technology of iron was learned, and the construction of homes was significantly improved. Phoenician gods became popular. In tombs, many imported or imitated artifacts are found, most notably the fine gold goldsmith’s treasures such as those of Aliseda (Cáceres) and El Carambolo (Seville).
The Greeks arrived in the 7th-6th centuries BC and established, among other colonies, Massilia (Marseille). Along with the Phoenicians, they introduced the cultivation of vines and olive trees and the first coins minted in the peninsula. From the 6th century BC, the rise of Carthage as a hegemonic power led to military attacks on the Greeks by Carthage (These wars between Rome and Carthage are known as the Punic Wars). The 1st Punic War resulted in the defeat of Carthage, and the 2nd was a declaration of war from Rome.