The Astures were the original indoeuropean inhabitants of northwest area of Hispania that now comprises the provinces of León, Asturias (only the central area, between Navia and Sella rivers), and northern Zamora (all in modern Spain). The name was used until the foundation of the Kingdom of Asturias. It is not clear whether they were Celtic of Preceltic. They worshipped god Lugh, a Celtic deity, and the few remants of their language in modern Asturian place names seem Celtic, but further evidence is still needed. Other scholars believe they were related to Ligures.

Many of the Astures (spelled Ástures following Latin pronunciation) would be included in the future Kingdom of Asturias, but despite what names seem to suggest, the modern Asturias was not the core territory of the Astures; it was the modern León instead, where Asturica Augusta, the main Astur town in Roman times, lye and where the Astura river, modern Esla, flows.

Mode of Life

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The Astures were hunters and gatherers who also engaged in agriculture as a merely complementary activity. During a large part of the year they used the acorn as a staple food source, drying and powdering it and using the flour for a type of easily preserved bread. Their sown fields during the pre-Roman period were scarce. From them they harvested barley from which they produced beer, as well as other crops, like wheat and flax. Due to the scarcity of their agricultural production as well as their strong war-like character, they made frequent incursions into the lands of the Vacceos, who had a much more developed agriculture.

According to classic authors, their family structure was matrilineal, wherein the woman inherits and is the owner of property.

The Asturs lived in hill forts, established in strategic areas and built with round walls in today's Asturias and the mountainous areas of León, and with rectangular walls in flatter areas.

Cantabrian Wars

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Along with their Cantabri neighbours, they were the last free tribes to fall prey to Romans in Hispania during Cantabrian Wars.

External links

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• Detailed map of the Pre-Roman Peoples of Iberia (around 200 BC)

Ancient peoples | Ancient Roman enemies and allies | Asturias | Ethnic groups in Europe | History of Spain

Astures | Astures