The Iberians (ancient, Romans, Britain, Europeans)

[kovert]

I'm very much interested in the history of the ancient Iberians. Iberians was the name the ancient greco-romans gave to the indigenous population of the southern and eastern peninsula. I have an encyclopedia that claims they were from North Africa and spoke a Hamitic language. This source is dated. Can anyone recommend any books (in English) that are more up to date by reputable historians and archeologists.

Oh and I'm also interested in Moorish Spain, particularly how the various ethnic and religious groups interacted with each other. Any suggestions would be welcome and appreciated.

[John Walmsley]

I've read Rosa Maria Menocal's book "The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain." This was an interesting period, when Jews were appointed to key administration positions in Moorish-dominated Spain, and when the three religions lived in comparative peace. It was the zenith of Muslim scholarship, as Moorish Spain became the learning center of Europe, and many classical ancient texts were translated by Muslim and Jewish scholars.

A couple books highly recommended by reviewers on Amaazon books are Richard Fletcher's "Moorish Spain" and "Islamic Spain 1250-1500." by L. P. Harvey.

[Trotter67]

Originally Posted by John Walmsley

I've read Rosa Maria Menocal's book "The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain." This was an interesting period, when Jews were appointed to key administration positions in Moorish-dominated Spain, and when the three religions lived in comparative peace. It was the zenith of Muslim scholarship, as Moorish Spain became the learning center of Europe, and many classical ancient texts were translated by Muslim and Jewish scholars.

A couple books highly recommended by reviewers on Amaazon books are Richard Fletcher's "Moorish Spain" and "Islamic Spain 1250-1500." by L. P. Harvey.

Excellent post john.

[kovert]

Thanks for the info. Any more suggestions, particularly on works related to the ancient Iberians, their origins, religions, political structures, achievements?

[Leovigildo]

Kovert

Iberians were the inhabitants of Iberia. Iberia was the entire Iberian Peninsula, also called Hispania by Phoenicians and later by Romans. The name Iberia comes from river Everus (Ebro). Greeks we baffled by Ebro's delta and the great river.

Iberians originated from the wide array of populations living in Spain during the last 35.000 that came from Europe. Iberians did not come from Africa. Iberians are related to the original inhabitants of Britain and Hibernia. In fact, it was just the other way around, a branch of Iberians settled in North Africa during Neolotic.

Iberia, just like the rest of Western Europe, was invaded by Indoeuropeans from Maykop (Caucasus). Basque language in Spain and France is believed to be the one existing in parts Spain and France, some believe that Basque and Iberian are related.

The origin of Iberian is uncertain. Iberian language has not been "cracked" yet. They used the alphabet imported from Greeks. The "Rosetta stone" has not been found yet.

They only thing we know about Iberians and Celtic-Iberians is what Greek and Romans wrote about them. As to Religions, I believe they were quite mimetic as Romans, and they adopted Greek deities. They worshipped places and made animal sacrifices.

Iberians were very individualistic and were divided in many tribes. They were very fierce in battle. Romans fought during more than two centuries to conquer Spain. There was a very misterios civilization near the strait, near Seville, mentioned by Greeks whose origins are uncertain, Tartessos.

As to books about Iberians, unfortunately, since there are so many obscure areas there are many "esoterical" writers writing a lot of crap about Iberians and Tartessos.

[Six Foot Three]

Originally Posted by Leovigildo

Iberians were the inhabitants of Iberia.

So do you have Iberian DNA or not Leo

[Leovigildo]

6 FOOT

I don't know what DNA Iberians had. I think they were R1b.
Iberians were also in Southern France up to Marseilles.
Probably corresponds (more faithfully) to ES2, Catalonia.
Related to France and Northern Italy.

[Six Foot Three]

Originally Posted by Leovigildo

6 FOOT

I don't know what DNA Iberians had. I think they were R1b.
Iberians were also in Southern France up to Marseilles.
Probably corresponds (more faithfully) to ES2, Catalonia.
Related to France and Northern Italy.

LOL, i actually liked that post Leo as i'll give you reps when i can pass them around (lol)

[kovert]

Thanks for the reply, Leo. I find the the Iberians, Tartarus and particularly what was their relationship to the Canaanites (Phoenicians), Moors, Carthaginians and other Libyans intriguing.

[Leovigildo]

Tartarus, do you mean Tartessians?
Tartessos?
Not much is known from them, it seems they might had contact with Phoenicians and were known by Greeks. Not known relationship with moors at that time.
Well, Cannanites were not related with Phoenicians
Chartagineans were not Libyans, they were descendants of Phoenicians and lived in modern day Tunisia.