Tartessos remains one of the most mysterious civilizations of ancient Iberia. Flourishing between roughly 1200 and 500 BCE, it was known to Greek writers as a wealthy land rich in metals, especially silver. Tartessos likely developed through interaction with Phoenician traders who established coastal colonies.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Tartessos had advanced metallurgy, trade networks, and a complex social structure. Lavish burial goods and metal artifacts indicate a prosperous elite class. However, much about their language, religion, and political organization remains unknown.
The sudden disappearance of Tartessos has fueled speculation. Some scholars suggest environmental disasters, while others point to political collapse or invasion. Despite its disappearance, Tartessos played a crucial role in connecting Mediterranean and Atlantic trade networks, influencing later Iberian cultures.
