Tartessan

Tartessian refers to a language and possibly a civilization that existed in southwestern Iberia, in what is now Andalusia, Spain, and the Algarve, Portugal, from the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age. The name derives from Tartessos, a legendary wealthy city and kingdom mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman sources, often associated with the region.

Our understanding of Tartessian comes primarily from inscriptions found in the area, written in a unique script that is part alphabetic and part syllabic. This script is known as the Tartessian alphabet or the southwestern Iberian script. The language itself remains largely undeciphered, although some scholars have proposed connections to Indo-European languages, particularly Celtic or Lusitanian, while others suggest a non-Indo-European origin, possibly related to Iberian or Berber languages.

The Tartessian civilization is thought to have been a significant trading power, benefiting from the rich mineral resources of the region, particularly silver and tin. They engaged in trade with Phoenicians, Greeks, and other Mediterranean peoples. Archaeological evidence, such as distinctive pottery and metalwork, points to a sophisticated culture. However, the exact extent and nature of the Tartessian kingdom are subjects of ongoing debate among historians and archaeologists, with some viewing it as a distinct political entity and others as a broader cultural and economic zone. The civilization appears to have declined or been absorbed by other cultures by the 6th century BCE.