Ancient Mediterranean Settlers in the Iberian Peninsula

Indo-European Migrations

From the late 11th century BC to approximately the end of the 6th century BC, groups of Indo-Europeans entered the peninsula through the Pyrenees, seeking new lands to settle. These people from Central Europe shared a common linguistic substrate. They settled mainly in Catalonia and the plateau, from where they moved north and west across the peninsula.

These settlers possessed knowledge of iron and maintained an economy based on agriculture and livestock. Some practiced a ritual burial tradition known as the Urnfield culture, where bodies were cremated and ashes deposited in urns.

Mediterranean Colonization

The southern area of the peninsula, rich in copper, silver, and gold, and strategically located on the tin route from the Atlantic and the British Isles, was chosen by eastern Mediterranean peoples—the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians—to establish commercial hubs.

• Phoenicians: At the end of the second millennium, they founded colonies in the southeast, most notably Gadir (Cádiz).
• Greeks: They arrived from the 8th century BC, though their activities were not well documented until the 6th century BC. They founded colonial enclaves such as Ampurias (Gerona) and Mainake (Málaga).
• Carthaginians: Arriving between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, they continued the work of the Phoenicians, founding colonies in Ibiza (Ebusus) and Almería (Villaricos).

Cultural and Economic Impact

Commercial contacts between Greek and Punic settlers and indigenous peoples fostered significant development:

• Agricultural advancements: Introduction of the plow and new crops like grapes and olives.
• Technological progress: Adoption of the potter's wheel and iron metallurgy.
• Societal growth: Increased use of currency, urban planning, and writing.

The Mystery of Tartessos

Greek historians recorded the existence of a civilization in the southern peninsula known as Tartessos. Their wealth was based on the exploitation of gold, silver, and copper mines, and control over the Atlantic tin trade. While no city remains have been found, significant treasures have been discovered, such as the Aliseda hoard in Cáceres and findings in Seville.