Archaeologists have long puzzled over the severed heads found in Ancient Iberian Iron Age sites, displayed with nails driven through their skulls or hung in prominent locations. Were these gruesome relics trophies of war, warnings to enemies, or did they belong to respected members of the community? New research suggests the answer is more complex than previously believed

Decapitation as a Funerary Practice in Ancient Iberian Society

Recent findings from two archaeological sites in Spain, Puig Castellar and Ullastret, reveal that beheading was not solely reserved for vanquished foes. Researchers conducted isotopic analyses on seven skulls, determining whether the individuals were local or outsiders. The results indicate a mixture of origins, suggesting that these severed heads held different meanings depending on the context.

At Puig Castellar, three of the four analyzed heads belonged to non-locals, and their placement near the main entrance of the settlement implies they were meant as warnings to enemies.

Honoring The Dead Or Sending A Message?

In contrast, at Ullastret, the study found a blend of local and non-local skulls, indicating a more varied interpretation of the practice. Two of the three heads belonged to local individuals and were found in a city street, suggesting they may have been displayed on homes or public spaces.

The third head, however, belonged to an outsider and was discovered in a pit, which the researchers speculate was used for enemy remains. This discovery supports the idea that decapitation in Iberian society was not uniform—some heads were respected, while others were discarded as symbols of conquest.

A Tradition More Complex Than Expected

The new study challenges the long-standing belief that all severed heads from Iron Age Iberia were war trophies. Instead, the evidence suggests a nuanced funerary tradition, varying from site to site and even within the same community.

According to lead researcher Rubén de la Fuente-Seoane, the findings indicate “that the practice of [displaying] severed heads was applied in a different way at each site, which seems to rule out a homogeneous symbolic expression.But more research is needed to be sure.”

The way these severed heads were treated—displayed with honor or discarded with contempt—provides insight into Iron Age beliefs about death, power, and identity.

What’s Next For Iron Age Iberian Archaeology?

Despite these revelations, many questions remain. Were these decapitation practices influenced by outside cultures, such as the Celts or Carthaginians? Did the Romans, who later conquered the Iberian Peninsula, eradicate or incorporate these traditions?

Further excavation and isotopic analysis of additional skulls could help refine our understanding of this ancient civilization’s approach to death and warfare.