Spanish History: A Three-Page Overview
Page 1: Ancient and Medieval Spain
Spain's history begins with prehistoric settlements such as those in Atapuerca,
followed by the Iberians and Celts. By the 8th century BCE, the Phoenicians, Greeks,
and Carthaginians had established colonies along the coast. The Romans conquered
the Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd century BCE, incorporating it into the Roman
Empire as Hispania. Roman rule brought Latin language, infrastructure, and
urbanization.
After the decline of the Roman Empire in the 5th century CE, Visigoths established a
kingdom in Spain. This period saw the spread of Christianity and the development of
early medieval Spanish culture. In 711 CE, Muslim Moors from North Africa invaded,
swiftly conquering much of the peninsula. They established Al-Andalus, a center of
learning and culture that flourished for centuries, particularly in cities like Córdoba
and Granada.
Christian kingdoms in the north gradually began the Reconquista, a centuries-long
campaign to reclaim Iberian territories. This movement laid the foundation for the
future Kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, and others.
Page 2: The Catholic Monarchs and the Spanish Empire
The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile in 1469 unified much
of Spain under Christian rule. In 1492, they completed the Reconquista by capturing
Granada, the last Muslim stronghold. That same year, Christopher Columbus, under
Spanish sponsorship, reached the Americas, initiating a vast colonial empire.
Spain became one of the first global empires, with territories in the Americas, Asia,
Africa, and Europe. Gold and silver from the New World fueled Spain's dominance,
but also led to inflation and economic challenges. The 16th century was marked by
the reign of Charles I (also Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) and Philip II, who saw
Spain reach the height of its power.
Religious conflicts, including the Inquisition and wars against Protestant states,
drained resources. The Spanish Armada's defeat by England in 1588 signaled the
beginning of a slow decline. Despite this, Spain remained a major European power
for another century.
Page 3: Modern Spain: From Decline to Democracy
By the 18th century, Spain was weakened by internal strife and loss of colonial
possessions. The War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714) ended with the Bourbon
dynasty on the throne. The 19th century was turbulent, with the Napoleonic
invasion, independence wars in Latin America, and political instability.
In the 20th century, Spain endured a brutal civil war (1936–1939), resulting in
Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Under Franco, Spain was isolated internationally but
experienced economic growth in the 1960s. After Franco's death in 1975, King Juan
Carlos I oversaw a transition to democracy.
Spain joined the European Union in 1986, modernized its economy, and became a
vibrant democracy. Despite challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis and regional
independence movements (notably in Catalonia), Spain remains an influential
European nation with a rich cultural heritage shaped by its diverse and complex.
