The Iberian Peninsula has been inhabited for at least 1.2 million years. Find Your Spain’s overview of Spanish history, continues and today’s article takes on the period between 1000 BC and year 0. Many have wanted control of the Iberian Peninsula and as many civilizations around the Mediterranean now discover these lands, trade and cultural exchange is about to explode.
Iberia is discovered! During this period we see new peoples migrating to Iberia. The Celts come by land across the Pyrenees while the Phoenicians who were based in the eastern Mediterranean and their later heirs the Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans and even a nomadic people originating in present-day Denmark (Cimbrians) make their mark in the peninsula. It seems the world has suddenly gotten bigger. Iberia has been discovered and international markets are opening up.
The Celts came to Iberia via the Pyrenees from about the year 1000 BC and settled in the north and west. Celtic settlements often have -briga in their name.
From ca. 1000 BC to 75 BC.
The Tartessians established an advanced culture from 900 BC at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River and environs. The mineral resources made them attractive.
From ca. 900 BC to 530 BC.
The Carthaginians took over the Phoenicians Iberian colonies. But, it was not until the conflict with Rome escalated in the 200s BC that they expanded inland.
From 575 BC to 206 BC.
The Turduli were early on thought to be relatives of the Turdetani but later historians believe them to be Celtish people. They may even have been a combination of the two.
From 530 BC to 195 BC.
The Phoenicians came by sea and probably traded from the 12th century BC before establishing colonies in the 900s BC in Cadíz, west of the Strait of Gibraltar.
From ca. 900 BC to 573 BC.
The Greeks came by sea and traded early with Iberia. The competition with the Carthaginians meant that the Greeks instead established colonies in the far north-east.
From 575 BC to 49 AD.
The Turdetani are considered the heirs to the Tartessians in south-western Iberia and were, according to Herodutus, the most advanced culture on the peninsula.
From 530 BC to 195 BC.
The Romans invaded Iberia in 218 BC, the start of the Second Punic War. The reason was that the Carthaginians had besieged and conquered Saguntum, Rome’s ally.
From 218 BC to 473 AD.
The Cimbrians were a Germanic tribe from Jutland (Jylland, Denmark) who migrated through Europe and raided northern Iberia. They were defeated there and were forced to return to Gaul.
From 104 BC to 103 BC.
You can find the continuous history of the Iberian Peninsula by following this link: Iberia: Peoples and Empires.
The Find Your Spain team!
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