In many aspects, Iberian Culture is both unknown and enigmatic. Its origins situate it in the fifth and sixth centuries B.C. yet even today, the de-coding of their scriptures proves difficult.
The Ilercavons (the Iberian tribe in the Ebro valley) worshipped fertility and life. Their women were priestesses and this is no coincidence. Women enjoyed a very high social status, and could even reinforce political alliances such is the case of the famous Hannibal.
Iberian necropolises bear witness to strong religious feelings linked to naturalist beliefs found throughout Mediterranean villages.
The Ilercavons lived from crop-farming, cattle-farming and mining. Their walled villages could be found along the banks of the river Ebro. These walls were well-built and reinforced by bastions and towers.
Settlements such as Castellet de Banyoles in Tivissa are one of the best examples of Iberian Culture in Catalonia.

Text Author: Ramon Gironés Blanch
Text Adaptation: Toni Orensanz
Photos: Rafael López-Monné