Forging communities: coalitions, identity symbols and ritual practices in Iron Age Eastern Iberia

Abstract

Settlement dynamics in Iron Age Eastern Iberia point up the formation of coalitions of several sites under the control of Iberian towns. I present ideological strategies and ritual practices used to promote a sense of community in this new political order. The creation and re-creation of this communitarian identity is largely based in the construction of a sacred landscape with local sanctuaries. In addition, complex pottery iconography related to ritual practices contributed to aggregate individuals and communities.