What Was Spain Called Before Rome?
In ancient times, the Iberian Peninsula, which is now modern-day Spain and Portugal, was home to several different civilizations and peoples. Before the Romans arrived, the region was known by various names and was inhabited by diverse cultures.
The Iberians
One of the earliest known peoples to inhabit the Iberian Peninsula were the Iberians. They lived in the eastern and southern parts of the peninsula from around the 6th century BC until they were eventually assimilated or displaced by other groups.
The Iberians had their own distinct language and culture. They built fortified settlements, such as those found at Ullastret and Castellar de la Muntanya. Their society was organized into tribes ruled by chieftains.
The Celts
Around the 4th century BC, Celtic tribes from Central Europe began to migrate into the Iberian Peninsula. These Celts brought with them their own Celtic languages and traditions.
The Celts settled primarily in the northwest part of the peninsula, establishing kingdoms such as Gallaecia (in present-day Galicia) and Asturias. They were known for their metalworking skills, especially in gold and iron.
The Carthaginians
During the 3rd century BC, Carthaginians from North Africa established colonies along the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The most notable of these colonies was Carthago Nova (now Cartagena).
The Carthaginians were Phoenician settlers who had created a powerful empire centered in modern-day Tunisia. They traded extensively throughout the Mediterranean and competed with Greek city-states for control of strategic coastal regions.
The Tartessians
Before the arrival of the Phoenicians, the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula was inhabited by a civilization called the Tartessians. They were known for their advanced metalworking and trade connections with other Mediterranean cultures.
The Tartessians had a significant impact on the development of subsequent cultures in the region. Their capital, Tartessos, is believed to have been located near modern-day Huelva in Spain.
Roman Hispania
It was not until the 2nd century BC that Rome began its conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans referred to this region as Hispania.
Roman control over Hispania lasted for several centuries and had a profound influence on its culture, language, and governance. The Roman Empire brought infrastructure, urbanization, and Roman law to the region.
The Visigoths
Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, Germanic peoples known as Visigoths established their own kingdom in Hispania. They ruled over much of what is now Spain until they were eventually conquered by Muslim armies from North Africa in the 8th century AD.
In conclusion, before it became known as Spain under Roman rule, the Iberian Peninsula was home to various civilizations such as the Iberians, Celts, Carthaginians, Tartessians, and Visigoths. Each group left its mark on this diverse and historically rich region.