Astures

The Astures were the original indoeuropean inhabitants of northwest area of Hispania that now comprises the provinces of Asturias , León and northern Zamora (all in modern Spain ). The name was used until the foundation of the Kingdom Of Asturias .
It is not clear whether they were Celtic of Preceltic. They worshipped god Lug, a Celtic deity, and the few remants of their language in modern Asturian place names seem Celtic, but further evidence is still needed. Other scholars believe they were related to Ligures .
Astures (spelled Ástures following Latin pronunciation) were the core of the future Kingdom Of Asturias .

MODE OF LIFE

The Astures were hunters and gatherers who also engaged in agriculture as a merely complementary activity. During a large part of the year they used the Acorn as a staple food source, drying and powdering it and using the flour for a type of easily preserved bread. Their sown fields during the pre-Roman period were scarce. From them they harvested Barley from which they produced Beer , as well as other crops, like Wheat and Flax . Due to the scarcity of their agricultural production as well as their strong war-like character, they made frequent incursions into the lands of the Vacceos , who had a much more developed agriculture.

According to classic authors, their family structure was Matrilineal , wherein the woman inherits and is the owner of property.

The Asturs lived in Hill Forts , established in strategic areas and built with round walls in today's Asturias and the inhospitable areas of León , and with rectangular walls in flatter areas.

CANTABRIAN WARS

Along with their Cantabri neighbours, they were the last free tribes to fall prey to Romans in Hispania during Cantabrian Wars .

EXTERNAL LINKS

Detailed map of the Pre-Roman Peoples of Iberia (around 200 BC)

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Astures

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