A woman buried in Spain in the Copper Age era

The Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age, in Southeast Iberia marks a significant phase of cultural and technological development which took place approximately between 3200 and 2200 BCE. This era is particularly noteworthy for the introduction and gradual adoption of metalworking, most notably copper, alongside continued utilization of stone tools. The Chalcolithic period serves as a transition between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, bringing about changes in social organization, economic practices, and cultural expressions.

Geography and Environment

Southeast Iberia during the Chalcolithic era was characterized by a varied geography, comprising coastal areas, fertile river valleys, and rugged, mountainous inland regions. This diversity in landscape fostered a range of subsistence strategies and settlement patterns. The region's climate was generally Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which influenced agricultural and pastoral activities.

Settlements and Architecture

Settlement patterns in Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia were varied, with evidence of both small, dispersed communities and larger, more complex sites. The most iconic of these sites is the fortified settlement of Los Millares, located in modern-day Almería. This extensive site presents a sophisticated level of urban planning, featuring concentric stone walls, bastions, and a necropolis with a number of megalithic burial structures, such as passage graves or tholoi. Such fortifications suggest a community highly attuned to defense, possibly due to resource competition or social tensions.

In other areas, smaller villages and hamlets consisted of round or oval huts constructed from perishable materials like wood and thatch, sometimes incorporating stone bases. These communities were likely involved in agriculture, pastoralism, and increasingly, trade.

Economy and Subsistence

The economy of Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia was predominantly based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and horticulture. Communities cultivated cereals such as wheat and barley, and they grew legumes and fruits, benefiting from the fertile soils of the region. Domesticated animals included sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle, providing meat, milk, and wool for textiles.

The introduction of copper metallurgy represented a significant advancement in technology and trade. Artisans began to produce a variety of copper tools, ornaments, and weapons, although flint and stone tools remained important. Evidence suggests that the communities engaged in local and long-distance trade networks, exchanging valuable materials like copper, flints, and exotic goods such as ivory and possibly amber, indicating wide-ranging connections across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Social Organization and Culture

Social structures during the Chalcolithic in Southeast Iberia became more stratified, likely owing to the increased complexity in economic activities and resource distribution. Hierarchies could be discerned in burial practices, with some tombs containing richer grave goods, indicating a differentiation in social status. The necropolis at Los Millares, with its collective burial customs, suggests a community-based approach, yet the differential presence of goods signifies emerging elites or leaders.

Cultural expressions during this period included pottery, textile production, and artistic endeavors like carving and sculpture. Pottery was typically handmade and decorated with incised patterns or painted designs, reflecting regional artistic styles. Textile production was facilitated by the use of wool, with evidence of looms and weaving techniques found at various sites.

Religion and Rituals

Ritual practices and spiritual beliefs of Chalcolithic communities in Southeast Iberia are primarily understood through their burial customs and symbolic artifacts. The construction of large, communal tombs and the presence of offerings in graves imply beliefs in an afterlife and the importance of ancestor veneration. Artifacts such as figurines and decorated objects found in domestic and ritual contexts suggest a rich symbolic life, although the specific nature of their beliefs remains largely speculative.

Legacy and Influence

The Chalcolithic period in Southeast Iberia played a crucial role in shaping the future cultural and technological landscape of the region. The advancements in metallurgy, social organization, and trade networks set the stage for the subsequent Bronze Age, where metallurgical practices and social complexities would become even more pronounced. Sites such as Los Millares continue to provide valuable insights into the lives and societies of prehistoric Iberian communities, shedding light on the transitional nature of this fascinating period.