Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery by uncovering the skull of a middle-aged male warrior, estimated to be between 40 and 50 years old. A notable feature of the skull is an obliquely pierced iron nail, which was likely used to secure and display the head on a wall or structure. This ritualistic practice was common among Gallic communities around the Mediterranean and among tribes in ancient Iberia, particularly in the northern areas of present-day Catalonia.

The Ritual of Displaying Severed Heads

In the aftermath of battles, warriors would decapitate their defeated enemies and transport their severed heads to their own dwellings. Once back home, they would prominently exhibit these skulls, along with their weapons, on the facades, porches, or courtyards as symbols of their triumph in warfare. This practice served as a potent display of power and domination, reflecting the prevailing customs and rituals of the time.

Ullastret: The Largest Iberian Settlement in Catalonia

Our journey leads us to Ullastret in the Baix Empordà region of Catalonia, Spain, home to the largest known Iberian settlement in the area, dating back to around 550 BC. During the Iron Age, this site was notable for the practice of preparing the heads of defeated enemies, which were publicly displayed alongside captured weapons.

The Indigetes: Ancient Iberian People

The inhabitants of Ullastret were known as the Indigetes, an ancient Iberian people who spoke the Iberian language. Their adherence to such practices highlights the cultural and historical significance of this settlement within the broader context of Iberian civilization.

The Museu Arqueològic d’Ullastret Exhibition

The Museu Arqueològic d’Ullastret is launching an exhibition focused on severed heads (crania) in archaeology. The event will include speeches by Councilor of Culture Ferran Mascarell and Joan Pluma.

The Roman Conquest and the Fate of the Indigetes

In the year 218 BC, the Indigetes of Ullastret faced the conquest of their territory by the Romans during the Roman conquest of Hispania. Despite this, they later rebelled in 195 BC, only to be decisively defeated by the consul Marcus Porcius Cato. These historical events marked a significant turning point in the fate of the Indigetes and their interactions with the expanding Roman Empire.