The Meseta Plateau is the dominant geographical feature of Spain and Portugal. It is an ancient Hercynian massif that was uplifted and tilted during the Alpine orogeny. Geographically, it is divided into the Northern and Southern Meseta by the Central System mountains. The plateau is characterized by a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. It is vital for Spanish agriculture and history, providing a rugged, high-altitude landscape that has shaped the settlement patterns and defensive strategies of the Iberian people for thousands of years.