The Beginning.
The Iberians were one of the first groups to conquest Spain. The Iberians are referred to as enduring, quarrelsome devoted to their animals, suspicious of strangers and religion, but above all, they are characterized for their individualism and dislike for organization. Iberians spoke Basque, a exceptionally difficult and complex language.
They were the first colonizers from an identifiable civilization. The also brought iron, and introduced the short sword. They were mostly pastoral by nature, lived in remote areas, and brought the custom of wearing trousers.
The Phoenicians arrived next. They were seeking copper, silver, and the hope of trading their manufactured goods in return but they did more than see minerals; they also took over the Atlantic trading route. With the arrival of the Phoenicians, Iberians for the first time were introduce to the advanced Mediterranean society. Iberians benefited from the Phoenician alphabet that helped them developed their written language.
Greeks also had an incredible influence in the “creation” of Spain. They are credited for striking the first coins, developing oil and wine culture. The Greek expansion was cut short when the Carthaginians took over, remaining in control of the entire southern coast for over two centuries. In the end their greatest contribution was that they brought the Romans.
1 comment:
I had learn something today from your lectures about the Iberians,Celtics and Phoenicians.
Do you know if the basques also speak spanish or are a group still "suspicious of strangers" and speak only their language?
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