600 -100 BC From southeast France to southern Iberia

Iberian society

It is an aristocratic society based on client relationships. The type of settlement is the oppidum (fortified village) but we also find in some areas, villages, forts and so called farm factories. A new urbanism was developed, with streets, forming blocks with rectangular houses, public spaces such as squares, grain storage areas, and some singular buildings.

The foundation of its economy was essentially rain fed agriculture, and fruit trees become important in some areas. Besides this, the basic production was livestock, metallurgy and manufactured goods such as ceramics or textiles. Trade became important and long-distance trade networks were developed.

The cemeteries are located outside the villages. The ceremonial was more or less complex depending on the status of the deceased. The rituals include funeral arrangements, transportation to the cemetery, cremation pyre, the placement of the grace goods into the grave, or the ritual banquets.

They developed also various forms of religious spaces, like chapels inside the houses, shrines related to the cities, and territorial sanctuaries.

For more information about the daily life of these societies you can read the didactic resource Memorias de Urkeatin. Nacer, vivir y morir en las sociedades iberas. Semana de la ciencia y la tecnología 2020. CSIC.