Insight: Uncovering a Moment in Time
The recent excavation of Building G in the Pyrenees mountains of northeastern Iberia has provided archaeologists with a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the Cerretani people during the Iron Age. The discovery of various artifacts such as pottery fragments, tools for textile work, and a hidden gold earring has shed light on their engagement in activities like spinning, weaving, and metalworking. This excavation has allowed researchers to piece together a “moment in time” that showcases the self-sufficiency of the Cerretani community as well as their participation in regional trade networks.
Insight: Social Structure and Wealth
The presence of a horse in the stable where four sheep and a goat perished suggests that the occupants of Building G were more affluent than some of their neighbors. Horses were considered valuable animals in antiquity and were typically associated with the elite class. This finding hints at the existence of an “aristocrat” class among the Cerretani people, providing insight into the social structure of ancient Iberian society.
Insight: Possible Violent Conflict
The tragic fate of the animals trapped inside the stable during the fire indicates that the destruction of Building G may have been the result of a deliberate act of violence rather than an accidental blaze. The presence of the hidden gold earring, concealed in a jar within the walls of the building, suggests that the occupants may have been trying to protect their valuables from potential marauders. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, the researchers speculate that the community may have been caught up in broader conflicts like the Second Punic War, which was raging during that time. However, the possibility of violent raids between Iron Age populations in Europe, independent of specific historical events, cannot be ruled out.
An illustration shows how Building G, the best-preserved structure at Tossal de Baltarga, might have looked before a fire destroyed it. (Reconstruction by Francesc Riart, illustrator / CNN Newsource)
