Prehistoric Spain: From Paleolithic Hunters to the Bronze Age
1. The Paleolithic Era
Lower Paleolithic
In the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos), a new theory has emerged. In 1994, in the chasm called Gran Dolina, hominid remains were discovered. These remains are dated to around 780,000 years ago, with subsequent findings dating back to 1,200,000 years ago. These are the oldest hominids found in Europe. This is a hominid species distinct from Homo erectus. A new hypothesis on the evolution of the species has been proposed: Homo antecessor, found in Atapuerca, was an intermediate link between Homo erectus and two species from the Middle Pleistocene that expanded into Eurasia: Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis. They were hunters, gathered in very small groups, without a permanent habitat. They camped in outdoor locations near rivers.
Middle Paleolithic
This stage is associated in Europe with Neanderthals, hominids who developed their culture from 100,000 to 35,000 years ago, coinciding largely with the Würm Ice Age. Until now, they were considered an evolution of Homo erectus, but as assumed by the Atapuerca team, they could be direct descendants of Homo antecessor. They were also hunters. With great physical consistency and brain development close to that of modern man, they were characterized by greater cultural diversity than their predecessors. They faced a more variable climate that made them seek refuge in caves and develop advanced techniques, such as hunting large animals and using fur. They also held spiritual beliefs, evidenced by their burial practices.
Upper Paleolithic
Across Europe, from 35,000 to 8,000 years BC, this period is associated with Homo sapiens (Cro-Magnon man), the species that replaced Neanderthals. Their culture was very advanced, and they lived in outdoor huts or caves. They formed nomadic groups, alternating between hunting areas. The abundance of deposits suggests a significant increase in population, along with a more diversified diet, including fishing, shellfish, and fruit gathering. They developed a diversity of instruments, tools made of bone, horn, and ivory, and decorations. Cultural and artistic aspects are evident in ornaments and spiritual practices, such as burials with funerary offerings. Rock paintings have been found in the caves of El Castillo, Altamira, Tito Bustillo, and some in the north of Burgos.
2. The Neolithic and the Age of Metals
Epipaleolithic
This is a transitional phase that spans from 9,000 to 6,000 BC. It is characterized by global warming, economic diversification (fruit picking, shellfish gathering, small game hunting, fishing), and a small stone industry known as Microliths. These were adapted to wooden handles, denoting a more practical mindset and greater specialization.
Neolithic
The Neolithic period begins in Spain at the start of the sixth millennium BC. As in the rest of Europe, it is primarily a development from the Middle East. This era saw the emergence of agriculture and livestock, leading to a tendency towards a sedentary lifestyle. Farming, livestock, and controlled food production led to the division of labor and the emergence of social differences. Industry diversified, agricultural implements were developed, and highly developed instruments of wood, bone, and antler were created. Above all, pottery spread, which was essential for food preservation and cooking.
Chalcolithic
The use of metals marked a breakthrough in cultural development. The use of copper is the first phase of the so-called Age of Metals: the Chalcolithic. It is associated with cultures of great interest in Spain:
- Between 2500 and 1800 BC, the Los Millares culture thrived in the area of Murcia and Almería. This was a densely populated society with advanced irrigation agriculture.
- The Beaker Culture, between 2200 and 1700 BC, spread throughout Europe. It is distinguished by the presence of ceramic bowls and vases in the shape of inverted bells.
- Megalithic monuments are large collective burial sites, common throughout Europe, that have appeared in the Atlantic region. They are associated with the development of religious beliefs. They vary from simple dolmens to complex corridor tombs, built of large stones and roofed with large flat slabs, although sometimes smaller elements were used. Their chronology begins in the Neolithic, early in the fourth millennium, and continues until the middle of the third millennium, and into the Bronze Age.