The ICAC is a public institution established by the Government of Catalonia and the Rovira i Virgili University, with the participation of the Inter-University Council of Catalonia. Its purpose is to carry out research, advanced training and dissemination in the field of the Mediterranean civilisation and culture from protohistory to Late Antiquity, in all its material and immaterial expressions. It is the centre of reference in Catalonia in this field.