ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with examination of the features of the landscape of Catalonia that have determined its history. It proceeds to consider the deeper aspects of geography and early settlement. This includes forms of settlement, hunting and farming patterns, religious beliefs and societal structure. The early inhabitants known as Iberians experience a range of external influences: Greeks, Lebanese-Phoenicians and most dramatically that of the Romans. The old world began a process of overhaul and transformation, leaving little in terms of legacy or cultural memory of an extensive past. Romanisation occurred at different paces, being most rapid in these urban, coastal settlements. A regime of colonial domination was found in the countryside. Romanisation was most visible amongst the elites who saw this avenue as an opportunity to maintain or obtain privilege. The Roman legacy is long lasting in the making of Catalonia. This legacy is physical and can be seen across the landscape. The urban and rural geography of contemporary Catalonia follows the pattern articulated in the Roman period.
