Roman mining companies in Spain

Spain was a key territory for the supply of precious metals during the Roman period.1 It is even possible that the Roman authorities’ decision to retain a military presence there after the Second Punic War was to a large extent motivated by its mineral wealth.2 In fact, one of the fi rst measures taken once the territory was secured in 195 B.C.E. was to establish a tribute system intended to tax the iron and silver mines..