Paper short abstract:

Hasta Regia (Cádiz, Spain) was depicted as the capital of the Turdetani. But is it the truth? Its ruins suggest its greatness, but does the epigraphy confirm it?

Paper long abstract:

Hasta Regia or Asta (Mesas de Asta, Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain), was a town of the province of Baetica (Pliny), situated at the mouth of the river Baetis near the Lacus Ligustinus, and 16 miles from the port of Gades (Ant. It. 409.4). It belonged to the Conventus Gaditanus (Plin. 3.11; Mela 3.4) and was a Turdetanian settlement. It was called Asta in Strabo (3.140), elsewhere Hasta (Livy 39.21; Bellum Hisp. chs. 26, 36; Ravenna Cosmographer 4.43). In 187 B.C. Caius Atinius captured this town which finally was conquered by Caesar in 45 B.C. The city minted coins [P. COL. ASTA RE(gia). F(elix)]. It was the third post on the military Via Augusta from Cadiz to Cordoba.

Andalusian local antiquarian historiography has depicted Hasta as the location of the city of Tartessos and the capital of Turdetania. But was it really the capital of the Turdetani? While its ruins suggest its former greatness, the epigraphical information leaves some doubt. The interest of local historiographers may have exaggerated its historical role.