The Rise and Fall of the Bronze Age Rulers of Spain

🏰Over 4,000 years ago, the Bronze Age rulers of Spain emerged, establishing a powerful society that dominated the region for over 600 years.

👑This society was ruled by chieftains or kings and queens, supported by a wealthy aristocracy, laboring class, and slaves.

🧬Through DNA analysis, we can reconstruct the ancestry and relationships of individuals from this society, shedding light on their kinship practices and social organization.

🔒Control was a key aspect of this society, reflected in their material culture, including standardized pottery and jewelry.

⚔️Around 2200 BC, a new group of people moved into Iberia, replacing the existing population and establishing the Lar culture, characterized by hilltop settlements, control, and centralized food supply.

Who ruled the Bronze Age society in Spain?

—The Bronze Age society in Spain was ruled by powerful chieftains or kings and queens.

What evidence reveals the ancestry and social organization of these rulers?

—DNA analysis of the burials and individuals from this society provides insights into their ancestry and social relationships.

What was the significance of control in this society?

—Control was a central aspect of this society, evident in their material culture, including standardized pottery and jewelry.

When did the new rulers emerge in Iberia?

—Around 2200 BC, a new group of people moved into Iberia, replacing the existing population and establishing the Lar culture.

What characterized the Lar culture?

—The Lar culture was characterized by hilltop settlements, centralized control, and the establishment of a centralized food supply.

00:04Over 4,000 years ago, a powerful society emerged in southern Iberia.

01:45These rulers were known for their burial traditions and DNA analysis sheds light on their ancestry and social organization.

05:14Around 2200 BC, a new group of people replaced the existing population, establishing the Lar culture.

06:41The Lar culture was characterized by hilltop settlements, control, and centralized food supply.

08:11The hilltop settlements housed the elites and controlled resources and people.

11:12The pottery and jewelry used by this society were standardized, reflecting their control.

12:19The burial customs and grave goods reveal the rituals and social hierarchy of this society.

12:49The new ruling group replaced the existing population and established their dominance in Iberia.