The latter is known from the upper layer of Las Cogotas, which represents a classical settlement of Vettones, which inhabited the territory of modern provinces of Avila and Salamanca, as well as parts of Toledo, Zamora, Cáceres and Tras-os-Montes in Portugal.

This stage of the Meseta history is the least known, although a series of archeological sites, such as Los Tolmos de Caracena in Soria, Cogeces del Monte in Valladolid, Abia de la Obispalia in Cuenca, and some others, allow to describe Protocogotas culture as a formation stage of Cogotas I culture.

This culture, which existed around 1700—1550 BC, is also known as Cogeces horizon, and is based on the Bell Beaker substrate influenced by either El Argar or Atlantic Bronze.

Like other similar settlements, Cogotas of that time was divided into several functional districts, including several cattle enclosures and a necropolis.

Cattle husbandry played an important role in the life of Vettones, which was probably reflected in their zoomorphic verraco statues.