What Ancient Civilization Lived in Spain?

Spain is a country that is rich in history and culture. The Iberian Peninsula, which is now Spain and Portugal, has been inhabited by various cultures for thousands of years. One of the most notable ancient civilizations that lived in Spain were the Celts.

The Celts

The Celts were a group of people who lived in Europe around 500 BC. They were known for their art, metalworking, and fighting skills. The Celts first arrived in Spain around 700 BC and settled in the northwestern part of the country.

Religion

The Celts were pagans and worshipped many gods and goddesses. They believed that nature was sacred and celebrated the changing seasons with festivals. The most important festival was Samhain, which celebrated the end of summer and the beginning of winter.

Art

The Celts were known for their intricate metalwork, which included jewelry, weapons, and other decorative items. They also created beautiful stone carvings and pottery. Their artwork often featured intricate designs of animals and mythical creatures.

The Iberians

The Iberians were an ancient civilization that lived on the eastern coast of Spain from around 3000 BC until they were conquered by the Romans in 218 BC. They were known for their advanced agriculture techniques and their use of bronze tools.

The Iberians worshipped many gods and goddesses, but their most important deity was a female goddess named Tanit. She was associated with fertility, war, and death.

The Iberians created beautiful pottery with intricate designs that often featured human figures or animals. They also carved stone sculptures that depicted warriors or religious figures.

The Romans

The Romans conquered Spain in 218 BC and ruled the country for over 500 years. They brought many advancements to Spain, including new roads, aqueducts, and buildings.

The Romans worshipped many gods and goddesses, but their most important deity was Jupiter. They also introduced Christianity to Spain.

The Romans were known for their impressive architecture, which included amphitheaters, temples, and public buildings. They also created beautiful mosaics and frescoes that depicted scenes from mythology or daily life.

The Moors

The Moors were a group of Muslims from North Africa who conquered Spain in the 8th century AD. They introduced new agricultural techniques and brought advancements in science, medicine, and philosophy.

The Moors were Muslims and built many beautiful mosques throughout Spain. They also allowed Jews and Christians to practice their own religions.

The Moors were known for their intricate tilework, which often featured geometric patterns or calligraphy. They also created beautiful textiles and carved wooden screens called mashrabiya.

  • In conclusion, Spain is a country that has been inhabited by many ancient civilizations over the years. Each of these civilizations has left its mark on Spanish culture in unique ways.
  • The Celts introduced intricate metalworking techniques, while the Iberians brought advanced agriculture methods.
  • The Romans left behind impressive architecture and artwork, while the Moors introduced new scientific advancements.

If you ever visit Spain, make sure to take a moment to appreciate the rich history that can be found throughout the country!