This volume traces the evolution of Iron Age communities in northeast Gaul with a particular focus on the Middle Rhine-Moselle region. Charting the transformation of social identity in these communities, Manuel Fernandez-Gotz examines their social and political organization; their cycles of centralization and decentralization; the origins of the La Tene culture; the emergence of the "oppida," or fortified settlements; and the significance of sanctuaries. Drawing on archaeological data, historical references, and anthropological observation, he makes an important contribution to our knowledge...

This book is an interdisciplinary study of the development of the first cities and early state formations of ancient Eurasia.