Conflict Archaeology by Manuel Fernández-Götz & Nico Roymans

Author:Manuel Fernández-Götz & Nico Roymans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Routledge

Figure 10.4 Stratigraphy and imported finds from Pit 19. Carthaginian plate/mortar; unguentarium and a Roman semi-libral as (RRC 38/7) (authors).

This sequence of micro-times demonstrates several of the keys that allow us to establish a hypothesis regarding the distribution/use of the camp zones on the summit of Cerro de las Albahacas. Basically we are considering two proposals:

1) One option corresponds to the abandonment of the position just a few days after the battle. What is certain is that Livy4 explicitly states that Scipio departed a few days after the battle, a fact that would seem to be fit if he also had to move to set up his winter camp in Tarraco and to prepare for subsequent manoeuvres in the area, such as the taking of Orongis and, a year later, Iliturgi.

2) Nevertheless, we continue to leave open the possibility that the hill was occupied temporarily by a Roman garrison, perhaps not immediately after the battle or as a consequence of it, but within the context of the Second Punic War. The coherence of the finds may bear this out. We cannot rule out the possibility that, once taken, the enemy position would have been occupied by a Roman garrison, as it was in a good strategic position for controlling the thoroughfares (fords) in the Baetis with a certain proximity to the Via Heraklea. However, it is strange that Scipio would have decided to establish it and then depart for Tarraco, leaving it close to pro-Carthaginian territory (Orongis-Iliturgi-Castulo) and exposed to the armies of Hasdrubal and Mago Gisco. Another possibility is that the garrison was established a few years later.

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