Astur

From Freepedia

The Astures were the original Celtic inhabitants of northwest area of Hispania that now comprises the provinces of Asturias, León and northern Zamora (all in modern Spain). The name was used until the foundation of the Kingdom of Asturias.

Mode of Life

The Astures were hunters and gatherers who also engaged in agriculture as a merely complimentary activity. During a large part of the year they used the llande 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 inhospitable areas of León, and with rectangular walls in flatter areas.