Abstract:

The article describes the evolution of population from the pre-Iberian to Iberian period, an evolution that J. Sanmartí interprets as the result of an internal dynamic that led to the formation of proto-states or archaic states in the mid-Iberian period. As of the arrival of the Romans and the introduction of the Roman city system, in 218 bc, the Catalan area experienced its most dramatic change in pop- ulation. The social structure went from being what could be described as a proto- state or archaic state to being in line with the Roman Republic and its corresponding rule of law. It is very difficult to make calculations regarding population figures, although one can assume that the population increased in the Roman period. The hierarchical network of hilltop castellated settlements, with some rural nuclei dot- ted across the territory, which had until then concentrated the majority of the population, was replaced by a network of Roman cities that were established along- side the best plains to enable agricultural production and subsequent long-distance trade throughout the Mediterranean area. Indeed, Catalonia’s modern-day cities have their origins in the Roman era.