The History of Spain


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The Muslim Conquest

     Torralba and Ambrona, two archeological sites, have been known to have prehistoric cave paintings of bison, horses, and other animals.  There is proof that people have lived in Spain for about one-half million years.  Torralba and Ambrona have also been known to have elephant bones where prehistoric Spaniards have trapped and killed them.
      About 3000 B.C., settlers started farming and herding.  The Romans invaded Iberia in the beginning of the Second Punic War in 218 B.C. Iberians soon were taught Latin and had acquired Roman citizenship.  Many of the Roman structures built by their architects and engineers have fallen down, but a few are still standing, including the Aqueduct of Segovia, the Theater of Merida, and the Bridge of Cordoba. 
      In the early fifth century, the Roman Empire was attacked by Germans.  Some of those who settled in Spanish territories were Vandals and Visigoths.  Most Visigoths moved into Spain at about 415 A.D.  It wasn't until King Leovigild took over that they moved to Toledo, Spain from France. The Visigothic kings, who ruled with the help of nobles and bishops, also built churches.

 The Muslim Reconquest

     By 718 A.D., the Muslims had defeated the Visigoths.  Then, many Christians converted to Islam. The Muslim rulers allowed the Christians and Jews to worship freely.  Science, medicine, and philosophy flourished in Cordoba, Spain's capitol.   Muslim scholars studied and translated works of Aristotle and other Greeks into Latin. These works spread throughout Europe, but would have been lost if not for the Muslims.
     After about 1000 A.D., the kingdom was broken up into small quarreling kingdoms, and Muslim Spain was on the decline.  Christians gradually regained control over Spain.  Muslim attacks in North Africa continued throughout Christian Spain until 1492 A.D., when the Christians overtook Granada.
 

Spain During the Sixteenth Century

     During the sixteenth century Spain was ruled by Catholic Kings.  Some of the famous Catholic kings that ruled during the sixteenth century were Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip I, King Charles I, and Philip II.