The architecture of the Iron Age in the Cantabrian area. The case of La Peña del Castro (La Ercina, León)

Abstract

The archaeological work carried out at La Peña del Castro has revealed a settlement occupied from the Early Iron Age until the change of the Era. The violent destruction of the settlement during the Roman conquest has provided an exceptional opportunity to document the final phase of occupation, dated between the 2^nd and 1^st centuries BC. The collapse of structures and the occurrence of a fire event have resulted in the exceptional preservation of charred wooden elements, as well as remains of the earthen architecture and the height of some constructions. In the present study, we proceed to analyze the construction techniques and materials used, along with their socio-economic implications. To achieve this, we have undertaken a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various materials, besides a comprehensive description of the different architectural units and their construction techniques.