Humanization, Pre-Roman Iberia, and Roman Conquest
The Process of Humanization
Lower Paleolithic
There is general agreement that hominization begins in Africa with Australopithecus. It evolved into Homo habilis, which is the first human species. The earliest human remains in the Iberian Peninsula were found in the Sima de los Huesos in the Sierra de Atapuerca. Homo heidelbergensis served as a transition between Homo neanderthalensis and Homo antecessor.
Middle Paleolithic
100,000 – 35,000 years ago: Homo Neanderthal used small tools, useful as scrapers. Deposits found in Granada and Gibraltar.
Upper Paleolithic
Homo sapiens: Cro-Magnon Man. Microliths, harpoons, arrowheads, and bones were used as tools. First manifestations of Rock Art. Deposits found in Cantabria.
Pre-Roman Peoples of Iberia
Tarshish
Located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Their economy was based on mining and ranching. They traded with Mediterranean villages.
Iberians
Inhabited the Mediterranean coast and Andalusia. They had contact with peoples of the Mediterranean and were a diverse group. Their economy was based on agriculture, livestock, and textiles. They used money. One of their notable artifacts is the Lady of Elche.
Celtiberians
Located in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula and had contact with the Mediterranean. Metals and agriculture were the basis of their economy. They lived in fortified villages, and the culture of the boar is prominent.
Celts
They were located on the Cantabrian coast and had little contact with the Mediterranean. These people lived on livestock, fisheries, and agriculture.
Historical Colonization of Iberia
Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians reached the Mediterranean coast for metals and other products. The Phoenicians founded Gadir (Cadiz) and traded metals for luxury goods and salted products. The Greeks, from Marseilles, founded colonies such as Ampurias and Roses. The Carthaginians came from Carthage and established colonies such as Ibiza, located on the Mediterranean coast, and traded metals and conquered the peoples south of the Ebro, except Sagunto.
Stages of the Roman Conquest of Iberia
Rome and Carthage faced off, starting the Second Punic War (218 to 202 BC). Carthage dominated most of the Iberian Peninsula. Hannibal was defeated by Rome. The occupation of the plateau was complicated by the opposition of Celtiberian peoples. The Celtiberian Wars ended in 133 BC. The Cantabrian coast was controlled by Augustus.
The Process of Romanization: The Cultural Legacy
The cultural traditions of the peninsular peoples were homogenized. The assimilation of culture differed among pre-Roman peoples. Key elements included Latin becoming the official language, the imposition of a series of laws and rights, and literature, with Seneca being a notable figure. Regarding religion, pre-Roman gods and the gods of Roman mythology were important.
Process of Romanization: Public Works
New cities were built in the Iberian Peninsula according to Roman models, and roads were created. The roads connected the Mediterranean coastline, such as the Via Augusta, the road from Emerita Augusta, and the Ruta de la Plata. Important Roman bridges were also built, as well as the Aqueduct of Segovia. The theater and amphitheater of Merida are also notable.
The Visigoth Monarchy
Conquest
In the 5th century, different groups settled: Suebi, Vandals, and Alans. The Visigoths were recruited by Rome to expel the Vandals. Due to foreign nations demanding an independent kingdom, war broke out with Rome. The Suebi and Visigoths allied to dominate the Iberian Peninsula. The first united Visigothic kingdom had its capital in Toledo. King Reccared converted the Visigoths to Christianity.
Institutions
Monarchy
An elective system. In many cases, there were attempts to make it hereditary. The kings were the chief of the army, called councils, administered justice, and had the right to mint coins.
Office Palatino
Aula Regia and councils.