Spain's Primitive Era and Early Peoples

The earliest inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, known for their limited historical records, they were of Mediterranean origin and inhabited the southeast region of Spain.

A group of people who arrived in Spain around 1000 B.C. from Central Europe, known for their tall stature and red hair, they settled in the Castilian meseta and eventually intermixed with the Iberians.

A civilization known for their exceptional navigation skills and trading prowess, they established colonies in southern Spain and introduced the region to advanced practices like writing, currency, and metalworking.

A prominent civilization that originated in North Africa and established a significant colony in Carthage (814 B.C.), they were known for their maritime skills and commercial influence.

A group of people known for their mysterious origins and unique language, they are thought to have arrived in Spain at the same time as the Iberians, possibly inhabiting the Pyrenees region.

A group of people who emerged from the merging of Celtic and Iberian cultures, they played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Spain.

A civilization known for their advanced culture and their interest in Spain's ample metal deposits, they arrived in Spain during the 7th Century B.C. and left their mark in the region.

The caves of Altamira are renowned for their ancient paintings, offering valuable insights into prehistoric life and artistic expressions of early humans.

Arab forces swiftly conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula in a few months in 711 AD, demonstrating the fragility of the Visigoth kingdom.

The Visigoth kingdom lacked a strong central government, making it vulnerable to invasion. The disorganized nature of the Visigoths allowed the unified Arab forces to easily seize control.

The Caliphate of Cordova was established by Abd al-Rahman III in 929 AD, gaining independence from the Damascus Caliphate.

Despite being conquered, Christians and Jews were allowed to practice their religions under Muslim rule, fostering a diverse and tolerant society in Cordova.

Cordova flourished as a center of learning and culture, with advancements in medicine, botany, and the introduction of Greek philosophy.

The Carthaginians' brutal treatment of the Gadir people prompted them to welcome the Romans.

Roman interest in Spain initially focused on exploiting its resources, leading to the forceful enslavement of its inhabitants.

Viriato, a shepherd, bravely led the Lusitanians in a prolonged fight against Roman domination for eight years. He achieved notable victories, even defeating several Roman generals, before being assassinated by a betrayed group.

The relentless siege and the brave defence of Numancia, a Celt-Iberian city, for over a year, stands as a testament to Spanish resistance against Roman conquest.

After conquering Lusitania, Rome focused on controlling the northern regions of Spain. This aggressive campaign led to the complete pacification of the Iberian Peninsula, with the Spanish emperors of Rome playing a crucial role.

Spanish contribution to the Roman Empire was significant. Notable figures include Emperor Trajan, the philosopher Seneca, and the poet Martial, highlighting the intellectual and political impact of Spain on Roman culture.

Despite facing resistance, Romans ultimately succeeded in conquering the entire Iberian Peninsula, demonstrating their military prowess and territorial ambitions.

The Roman conquest of Spain was a challenging and protracted process, marked by fierce resistance from the indigenous population. This resistance, exemplified by Viriato and the Siege of Numancia, serves as a reminder of the tenacity of the Spanish people in the face of foreign power.

The Greeks established colonies on the coast of Spain, introducing olives and grapes, and engaging in trade. They expanded their influence after defeating the Tartessians at the Battle of Alalia in 535 BC.

Hailing from Carthage, they arrived in Spain in the 6th century BC to help the Phoenicians fight the Celtiberians. Eventually, they gained dominance over the area, defeating both the Phoenicians and the Greeks, restricting them to coastal areas.

The Carthaginian General Hannibal, masterminding a daring invasion of Italy, led his forces across the Alps and emerged victorious in battles like Trebia and Cannae. His ultimate defeat at Zama signaled the end of Carthaginian control in the Mediterranean.

They were a fierce and independent Celtic-Iberian group who resisted both the Carthaginians and the Romans. Known for their stubborn resistance, they exemplified this spirit with their lengthy defense of Sagunto (219 BC).

The Lusitanians, a group of Celtiberian tribes inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula (present-day Portugal and Spain), engaged in fierce resistance against the encroaching Roman forces. Their bravery and tenacity made them a formidable opponent for the Roman legions.

The Carthaginian Wars, a series of conflicts fought between Rome and Carthage, began in 264 BC and ended in 241 BC. The wars were triggered by Rome's desire to expand its influence in the Mediterranean Sea, leading to battles like Cannae and Zama. Rome ultimately emerged victorious, gaining control over the Western Mediterranean.

A major battle fought during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), Cannae saw a decisive victory for Hannibal's Carthaginian army against the Roman legions. It is considered one of Hannibal's greatest victories, and it had a significant impact on the course of the conflict.

A pivotal battle fought during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), Zama marked the end of Hannibal's invasion of Italy and marked the end of Carthaginian influence in the Mediterranean. The Roman General Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal's forces, securing Roman dominance in the region.

The period of time (718-1492) when Christian kingdoms in Spain gradually retook the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.

A series of independent Muslim kingdoms that arose in Spain after the decline of the Umayyad Caliphate.

The battle in 718 where Christian forces under Don Pelayo defeated the Muslim army, marking the beginning of La Reconquista.

The king of Asturias who led the Christian forces to victory at the Battle of Covadonga.

The 1212 battle where a Christian alliance led by King Alfonso VIII defeated the Almohad Muslim army, marking a significant turning point in La Reconquista.

The city that became the center of Christian power in Spain after the Asturian monarchy moved south in the 10th century.

The independent kingdom that emerged in northern Spain, eventually uniting with Castile to form the Kingdom of Spain.

The marriage of Isabel, the Queen of Castile, and Fernando, the King of Aragon, in 1496, which unified the two kingdoms and led to the completion of La Reconquista.

The conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, marking the end of the Reconquista period in Spain.

The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, were responsible for unifying the various independent regions of Spain under their rule.

A religious institution established in Spain to ensure religious uniformity and combat heresy, the Inquisition was notorious for its persecution of Jews and Muslims.

King Fernando I united the kingdoms of Castile and Leon in 1035, ending a period of conflict and setting the stage for a more unified Spain.

Fernando III, known as 'the Saint', expanded the kingdom of Castile and Leon, capturing Córdoba from the Arabs in 1236 and protecting its cultural heritage.

King Jaime I, known as 'the Conqueror', united Catalonia with the other kingdoms of Spain through royal marriages and established a stronger foothold against Islam by conquering the Balearic Islands and Valencia.

"La Santa Hermandad" was a police force established by the Catholic Monarchs to protect the Spanish population and enhance public order.

A significant siege lasting six years, the siege of Valencia was a major turning point in the Reconquista, and the Aragonese victory in 1238 marked the decline of Arab power in the region.