The Iberians kept up contact with other Mediterranean societies. All kinds of goods from North Africa arrived by means of the Carthaginian traders from Ibiza, while the Greeks sold beautiful and varied pottery from Attica and the south of Italy. Influential relations were also maintained with Gaul.

Of the various Iberian peoples who lived in present-day Catalonia, those along the coast showed considerable urban, economic and cultural development. Farming and animal husbandry were the main activities of the groups living inland.