In the assemblage of rock art representations of the Iron Age in the Iberian peninsula, painted figures of horses and equestrian scenes are prominent. Following analysis of their technical, stylistic and morphological characteristics, the study of the archaeological and historical context highlights the preponderant role of horses and their riders in these protohistoric decorative scenes. They are graphic symbols of the economic, political and social ascent of the equestrian elites.
Rock art, Iron Age, Iberian peninsula, horses, equestrian scenes, archaeological context, symbolism, equestrian elites.