History of Spain

Christian Reconquest of Spain: The Eight Centuries That Forged a Nation

La Rendición de Granada (1882) - Surrender of Granada by Francisco Pradilla Ortiz

The Christian Reconquest of Spain, also known as the Reconquista, was a pivotal period in European history which spanned nearly eight centuries. This protracted struggle, lasting from the early 8th century until the fall of Granada in 1492, was a complex and multifaceted series of military, political and religious campaigns …

Read more

History of Roman Spain: How Hispania Became a Powerhouse of the Ancient World

History of Roman Spain

The history of Roman Spain, also known as ‘Hispania’, offers a rich narrative of conquest, assimilation and cultural transformation. The incorporation of the Iberian Peninsula into the Roman Empire marked a pivotal chapter in the region’s development, shaping its political, economic and social structures. The Romanisation of Spain introduced enduring …

Read more

Roman Sites in Spain: A Traveller’s Guide to Roman Spain

Tarragona Roman Ruins

Roman control of the Iberian Peninsula began in 218 BC during the Second Punic War when they captured territories from the Carthaginians. Over the next two centuries, the Romans gradually conquered and Romanized the region through military force and colonization. The Romans divided the peninsula into three provinces – Hispania …

Read more

Who Were the Iberian People? The First Settlers of Prehistoric Spain

Menorca Excursion

The Iberian Peninsula, today known as Spain and Portugal, has been a significant crossroads for human civilization since prehistoric times. The history of the early Iberian people is deeply entwined with the broader narratives of European prehistory, marked by waves of migration, cultural exchanges and the emergence of complex societies …

Read more

Brief History of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39)

Pablo Picasso's Guernica

The Spanish Civil War stands as one of the most pivotal and complex conflicts of the 20th century. This brutal struggle between the Republicans and the Nationalists not only reshaped Spain’s political landscape but also served as a harbinger of the larger ideological battles that would soon engulf Europe in …

Read more

History of the Carthaginians in Spain: Discover Their Role in Spanish History

Roman Sites in Spain: Theatre in Cartagena

The history of the Carthaginians in Spain is a fascinating chapter in the ancient world, marked by ambition, conquest and cultural exchange. As a powerful maritime civilization, Carthage, once a Phoenician colony, expanded its influence across the Mediterranean, with Spain becoming one of its most prized territories. Known for their …

Read more

History of the Phoenicians in Spain: Discover Their Role in Spanish History

Phoenicians in Spain: Temple of the Obelisks in Byblos (Lebanon)

The Phoenicians were an ancient civilization originating in the Levant which played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of ancient Spain. Their centuries-long presence on the Iberian Peninsula left an indelible mark, bringing this distant land into close contact with the advanced cultures of the eastern …

Read more

Simple History of the Spanish Inquisition? 350 Years of Persecution and Intolerance

The Spanish Inquisition: Auto-da-fé by Francisco Rizi

The Spanish Inquisition, a period of religious persecution and social control that lasted for over three centuries, stands as one of the most controversial institutions in European history. Established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, the Inquisition aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their realms and consolidate their …

Read more