Spain, located in southwestern Europe, has a history that spans over three millennia. From ancient civilizations to the present day, the country has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous empires and cultures. Here are some key milestones in Spain's history.

Ancient Spain

  • Iberians: The Iberians were the first known inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern-day Spain and Portugal.
  • Celts: The Celts arrived in the region around 1000 BCE, bringing with them new technologies and cultural practices.
  • Romans: The Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula in 218 BCE and established the province of Hispania. The Romans built roads, aqueducts, and amphitheaters, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Middle Ages

  • Visigoths: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control of Hispania and established their own kingdom.
  • Moors: In 711 CE, the Moors from North Africa invaded Spain and established the Umayyad Caliphate. This period saw the flourishing of Islamic culture in Spain.
  • Reconquista: The Reconquista, or "Reconquest," was a period of conflict between Christian kingdoms and the Muslim Moors. It lasted from the 8th century to the 15th century and resulted in the recovery of much of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian forces.

Modern Spain

  • Golden Age: The 16th and 17th centuries were a time of great prosperity for Spain, often referred to as the "Golden Age." This period saw the expansion of Spanish colonies and the development of literature, art, and science.
  • Spanish Civil War: The Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, was a devastating conflict between the Nationalists led by Francisco Franco and the Republicans.
  • Post-Franco Era: After the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, Spain transitioned to a democratic monarchy.

Spanish architecture

Further Reading

For more information on Spain's history, please visit our Spain History page.