"Dawn of Iberia" explores the rich and often overlooked history of the Iberian Peninsula, from its earliest inhabitants to the cusp of its global expansion. It challenges the idea that European identity solely stems from Rome or Greece, positing that Iberia, encompassing modern Spain and Portugal, developed a unique culture through the fusion of indigenous traditions, Roman legacies, Germanic contributions, and Islamic influences.
Intriguingly, the book reveals how pre-Roman civilizations like the Iberians, Celts, and Tartessians laid the groundwork for later Iberian societies, showcasing their sophisticated social structures and artistic achievements. Moreover, it examines how the Visigothic Kingdom adapted and reshaped Roman institutions, contributing to the peninsula's evolving identity.
The book progresses chronologically, starting with archaeological evidence of early settlements and pre-Roman cultures, then moves through the Roman period, the Visigothic era, and culminates with the Islamic invasion and the rise of Christian kingdoms. This approach highlights the peninsula's agency in shaping its own destiny.
By examining archaeological findings, legal texts, and early medieval chronicles, "Dawn of Iberia" provides a fresh perspective on European History, Iberian Identity, and the complex interplay of cultures that shaped the peninsula before its age of exploration.
