Storage and production spaces in Turdetania. A reflection beyond kilns

Abstract

This paper explores the archaeological structures related to functions of production and commercialization of agricultural goods in Turdetania during the Late Iron Age, between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC. More concretely, the analysed structures are ceramic kilns, auxiliary rooms attached to them, buildings interpreted as foodstuff warehouses and, considering neighbouring areas as parallels, food processing structures as a previous phase to packaging. A special emphasis is put on spaces that include amphorae that are similar to the Turdetanian types in their material record. Through these elements and, above all, the gaps in the archaeological evidence, a reflection is provided about the degree of current information on the Turdetanian economic system, its continuity from the previous Early Iron Age and its commercial focus after the 4th century BC.