Prehistoric Eras in Spain: From Early Humans to Metal Ages

Summary

This study document outlines the prehistoric periods of Spain, from the Lower Paleolithic to the Iron Age. It describes the main human species, tools, cultures and key developments of each era, including the arrival of farming and the use of metals. It also briefly explains the transition from prehistory to protohistory.

Key points

The Lower Paleolithic (about 1 million to 100,000 years ago) is associated with Homo antecessor, who hunted, fished and gathered, using bifaces.
The Middle Paleolithic (about 100,000 to 35,000 years ago) saw the evolution of Homo neanderthalensis, who likely had a structured language.
The Upper Paleolithic (35,000 to 10,000 BC) marks the extinction of the Neanderthals and the arrival of Homo sapiens, who created the first cave art, such as Altamira.
The Neolithic arrived from the east by sea; Neolithic Old (6000 to 4000 BC) is characterized by Cardium Pottery, and Neolithic Full (4000 to 2500 BC) by the Megalithic culture.
The Copper Age (around 3000 BC) introduced copper alongside stone tools and saw the Beaker Culture.
The Bronze Age (circa 1700 BC) used bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, with the Argar culture and the Culture of Motillas de la Mancha.
The Iron Age (c. 800 BC) is considered Protohistory and included the indigenous Tartessos, Iberians and Celts, plus the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians.

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The Paleolithic in Spain

The Lower Paleolithic (1 million years – 100,000 approx.)

First individuals of humankind: Homo antecessor. Small groups that lived by hunting, fishing, and gathering. Tools: bifaces.

The Middle Paleolithic (100,000 – 35,000 approx.)

Evolution of Homo neanderthalensis from Homo antecessor. They likely had a more or less structured language.

The Upper Paleolithic (35,000 – 10,000 BC)

This period marks the extinction of the Neanderthals, though they coexisted for a time with a new human species that arrived in the Iberian Peninsula: our own, Homo sapiens. The tools became more sophisticated, complex, and varied, utilizing new materials like bone and antler. They created the first artistic manifestations of humanity, seen in caves such as Altamira in the Cantabrian region.
The Neolithic in Spain
The progress of the Neolithic arrived in our territory by sea from the east. There are two distinct periods in the Neolithic of the Iberian Peninsula.

Neolithic Old (between 6000 and 4000 BC)

Introduced into the Iberian Peninsula via the Mediterranean coastal zone by people arriving from the east. They brought cultivated plants and domestic animal species. Characterized by Cardium Pottery.

Neolithic Full (between 4000 and 2500 BC)

Extension of Neolithic cultures into the interior of the peninsula, linked to the arrival of new settlers from the East who introduced innovations. Marked by the Megalithic culture.
The Age of Metals in Spain

The Copper Age (Chalcolithic period, around 3000 BC)

Copper, being less tough and durable than stone, did not replace stone tools but was added as a new possibility. This era saw the Beaker Culture.

The Bronze Age (circa 1700 BC)

Bronze was obtained by mixing copper and tin. Notable cultures include the Argar culture and the Culture of Motillas de la Mancha.

The Iron Age (c. 800 BC)

The Iron Age in the Iberian Peninsula bridges prehistory and history, known as Protohistory. It featured three main indigenous cultures: Tartessos, Iberians, and Celts. Additionally, three colonizing peoples arrived: Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians.

FAQ

What is the Neolithic in Spain?

The Neolithic arrived in the Iberian Peninsula by sea from the east, bringing cultivated plants and domestic animals. It is divided into Neolithic Old (6000 to 4000 BC), marked by Cardium Pottery, and Neolithic Full (4000 to 2500 BC), marked by the Megalithic culture.

Why did copper not replace stone tools immediately?

Copper is less tough and durable than stone, so it did not replace stone tools but was added as a new option during the Copper Age.

What is Protohistory?

Protohistory is the period of the Iron Age in the Iberian Peninsula, which bridges prehistory and history.