This volume explores the transformation of Iron Age communities in
northeast Gaul, and in particular the Middle Rhine-Moselle region,
giving special consideration to questions of social identity. Some of
the main issues addressed are the multidimensional levels of
sociopolitical organization, the cycles of centralization and
decentralization, the origins of the La Tène culture, the emergence of
the oppida, and the role of sanctuaries in the construction of
collective identities. By combining an up-to-date summary of the
different types of social identity with a considerable body of
archaeological data, historical references and anthropological insights,
this work represents a valuable contribution to our knowledge of Iron
Age societies and, at a more general level, for all those interested in
the study of past identities.