This synthetic approach to the familt cultand burial practices in the Iron Age habitats of the languedoc is the first of its kind in Southern Gaul. The reflexions are based on a complete analysis of the existing documentation and stress its limitations caused by difficulties in interpretation and attribution. The documents selected by the authors are listed, commented and placed in a wider socio-cultural context, arranged in several series established according to their probable significance. A first groupe consists of human remains found in a homogeneous context. It is completed by an analysis of isolated remains of the same nature. A third group includes specific objects deposited in graves and objects with a possible ritual function.
Cautiously and fully conscious of the dangers of over-interpretation, the authors attempt to discover the nature of the actions revealing the mentalities and beliefs of thre Iron Age, stressing the regional traditions and, in contrast, the out- sides influences, in this case Hellenic. Some documents suggest collective practices (e.g. graves of prominent persons). Most, however, point to family (infant burial) or individual (amulets, etc.) practices. The distribution of practices over space and time is also discussed.