A woman buried in France in the Late Iron Age era

The Iron Age II in the region now known as Occitanie in France marks a period of significant cultural development and transformation among the Celtic tribes that inhabited this area. This era, roughly spanning from 450 BCE to the Roman conquest in the late 1st century BCE, is characterized by the flourishing of the La Tène culture, which is named after the archaeological site of La Tène on Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland.

Geographical Context

Occitanie, located in the southern part of France, is a region with a diverse landscape, encompassing parts of the Pyrenees mountains, Mediterranean coastline, and rich river valleys such as those of the Garonne and Rhône. This geographical diversity provided various resources and trade routes which were crucial for the Iron Age communities.

Social and Political Organization

During Iron Age II, Celtic society in Occitanie was organized into tribes, each led by a chieftain or a ruling elite. These tribes were often in conflict with each other but were also known for forming alliances, particularly for mutual defense against external threats. The Celtic tribes in Occitanie included the Volcae Arecomici, the Tectosages, and the Ruteni, among others.

Each tribe had its hierarchy and social stratification, where warriors maintained high prestige. A strong warrior aristocracy was characteristic of the period. The druids were another powerful class, serving as religious leaders, judges, and scholars, maintaining oral traditions including myths, laws, and religious rituals.

Economy and Trade

The economy during this period was primarily based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and metallurgy. The fertile plains of Occitanie were excellent for growing grains, particularly wheat and barley. The Celts were skilled metalworkers, known for their production of iron tools and weapons which were crucial for both agriculture and defense.

Trade was a significant aspect of the economy, with the Mediterranean coast allowing access to broader trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods such as wine and olive oil from the Greeks and Romans. The Celts in Occitanie also traded with other tribes across Europe, exchanging crafts, metals, and textiles.

Cultural Practices and Art

The La Tène culture was marked by its vibrant art and intricate designs, commonly seen on metalwork, ceramics, and jewelry. The ornamental styles often included spirals, knots, and depictions of animals and mythical creatures. This art was not merely decorative but also held symbolic meanings and was closely tied to religious and cultural identity.

Religion and spirituality played a central role in Celtic life. The Celts in Occitanie practiced polytheism with a pantheon that included deities linked to natural elements such as the sun, water, and earth. Sacred sites, such as groves and springs, were central to rituals and ceremonies, often led by druids.

Impact of External Influences

During Iron Age II, Occitanie experienced increasing contact with Mediterranean cultures, especially through trade with Greek colonies such as Massalia (modern-day Marseille) and later interaction with the expanding Roman Republic. These interactions brought new goods but also ideas and technologies, leading to cultural exchanges that both influenced and were integrated into Celtic society.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries in Occitanie, including fortified settlements (oppida), burial sites, and artifacts, provide a glimpse into the complexity of Celtic life during Iron Age II. Finds such as weapons, tools, pottery, and jewelry illustrate the craftsmanship of the period. Burial practices show a society that placed significant emphasis on the afterlife, with grave goods indicating beliefs in life beyond death.

Decline and Roman Conquest

The arrival of the Romans in the late 1st century BCE marked the beginning of the end for Celtic dominance in Occitanie. The Roman conquest led by figures such as Julius Caesar resulted in the region's integration into the Roman world as part of the province of Gallia Narbonensis. This conquest brought about major changes in the cultural and political landscape, as Roman law, culture, and infrastructure gradually replaced traditional Celtic ways.

In summary, the Iron Age II in Occitanie was a dynamic period that witnessed the zenith of Celtic culture in the region, characterized by rich artistic expression, complex social structures, and vibrant trade. Despite the eventual Roman conquest, the legacy of the Celts remains a vital part of Occitanie's historical and cultural heritage.