History of Spain

Ethnographic Iberia 200 BCE.PNG

Bronce luzaga

Iberia 300BC-en

Prima tetrarchia Diocletianus.PNG

Visigothic Kingdom

History of Spain traces the development of the Iberian Peninsula from prehistoric times to the present. Spain's history is marked by waves of conquerors, vast empires, and a rich cultural heritage that has influenced the entire world.

Prehistoric Spain

The earliest human remains found in Spain belong to the Neanderthals, dating back to around 400,000 years ago. The region was also home to early modern humans around 35,000 years ago. Notable prehistoric sites include the Cave of Altamira, famous for its Upper Paleolithic cave paintings.

Iberians, Celts, and Greeks

The first advanced cultures to emerge on the Iberian Peninsula were the Iberians and the Celts. The Iberians settled in the east and south, while Celtic tribes inhabited the northwest. Greek colonists founded coastal settlements in the 6th century BCE, such as Emporion (modern-day Empúries).

Carthaginian and Roman Spain

The Carthaginians established control over much of the eastern coast of Iberia during the Punic Wars. However, after the Second Punic War, the Romans began their conquest of the Peninsula, eventually incorporating it into the Roman Empire as the provinces of Hispania. Roman rule brought economic development, the Latin language, and Roman law.

Visigothic Kingdom

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe, took control of the Peninsula in the 5th century. They established a kingdom that lasted until the Islamic conquest in the early 8th century. The Visigothic period was marked by conflicts between Arian Christians and Catholics.

Islamic Spain and the Reconquista

In 711, Muslim forces from North Africa invaded the Iberian Peninsula, establishing Al-Andalus, a territory that at its peak, covered most of present-day Spain and Portugal. The Christian kingdoms in the north began the centuries-long process of the Reconquista, aiming to recapture the territory. This period saw significant cultural and scientific exchanges between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities.

The Catholic Monarchs and the Spanish Empire

In 1469, the marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon unified Spain. The completion of the Reconquista in 1492 and the subsequent discovery of the Americas led to the establishment of the Spanish Empire, one of the largest empires in history. Spain's colonial ventures brought immense wealth and introduced Spanish culture and Christianity to a vast part of the globe.

The Habsburg and Bourbon Dynasties

The 16th and 17th centuries were the golden age of the Spanish Empire under the Habsburg dynasty, marked by the reigns of Charles V and Philip II. However, costly wars and internal strife led to a decline in power. The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) resulted in the Bourbon dynasty's ascension to the Spanish throne, introducing reforms aimed at centralizing and modernizing the state.

19th Century: War of Independence and Loss of Colonies

The early 19th century was turbulent, with the Peninsular War against Napoleonic France and the subsequent loss of most of Spain's American colonies. The century was marked by political instability, with numerous coups and changes in government.

20th Century: Civil War and Francoist Spain

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a devastating conflict that resulted in the victory of General Francisco Franco, who established a dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. Franco's rule was marked by repression, economic development, and neutrality in World War II.

Contemporary Spain

After Franco's death, Spain transitioned to democracy, adopting a new constitution in 1978. It joined the European Union in 1986, experiencing significant economic growth and development. Today, Spain is a constitutional monarchy with a rich cultural legacy, a major tourist destination, and an influential member of the international community.