- The Celts In Spain -
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Figure 28.2 Different cultural groups in Northern Iberia. After Lenerz-de Wilde 1992, maps
5, 16 and 40; Lopez Monteaguo 1989, fig. 5; and Raddatz 1969, map 1 I. Key:~Castro culture
zone; 'El soto de Medinilla' group; ... Miravechc group; 0 Settlements of the 'Castros
sorianos' culture; • Cremation cemeteries in the eastern Meseta, • Avila group.mountainous regions of the upper Douro begins where the 'cultura de los castros
sorianos' develops. Strategic places, which were easy to defend, were settled, mostly
at a height of around 1250 m (Figure 28.3). The castros are always protected by walls
with a thickness of up to 6 m; some are further protected by so-called chevaux-de-
[rise which consist of sharp, outward-facing stones, which prevented cavalry charges
(Figure 28.4). Round and rectangular ground-plans of houses have been found.
Mould fragments and a large quantity of iron slag are indicative of a flourishing metal
industry. The economy was essentially pastoral, as is shown by the evidence of the
animal bones. Burials are as yet unknown - the inhabitants must have disposed of
their dead without leaving any archaeological traces. This calls to mind classical
accounts which refer to the tribes of the Vaccaei and the Celtiberians who left their
battle dead to be eaten by birds of prey (Silius Italicus, Punica II. 3; Aelian, De Ore
Natura Animali X.22). The majority of the castros were deserted around 400 Be; only
a third survived.
Extensive cremation cemeteries developed at the same time to the south of these
castros. The urns are arranged partly in lines and marked above ground by standing
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