History of the Iberian Peninsula: From Carthaginians to Kingdoms
History of the Iberian Peninsula
The Carthaginian and Roman Period
Between the First and Second Punic Wars, the Carthaginians invaded the Iberian Peninsula, establishing colonies like Ibiza and Cartagena (named after the original Carthage). They also absorbed cities such as Cadiz and Malaga. After defeating Carthage, Rome began a gradual occupation of the peninsula, lasting over 200 years.
The Romans faced resistance, including the long siege of Numancia and the guerrilla war led by Viriato. After Viriato’s death in 139 BCE, resistance became more fragmented. Roman control was fully established under Emperor Augustus, and the peninsula became the province of Hispania.
Hispania adopted Roman culture, language, and laws. The region gained importance within the empire, producing emperors like Trajan, Hadrian, and Theodosius, as well as the philosopher Seneca.
The Visigothic Kingdom
In 416, the Visigoths entered Hispania as allies of Rome, expelling the Alans and Vandals. They established a unified kingdom and achieved religious unity through the reconciliation of Catholics and Arians. The Visigothic monarchy established Toledo as the capital, centralizing political and religious power.
However, the elective nature of the monarchy led to instability, with frequent rebellions and assassinations.
The Muslim Conquest and the Reconquista
In 711, the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula began after the Battle of Guadalete. The Umayyad Caliphate established Al-Andalus, with Cordoba as its capital. Muslim rule saw advancements in science, arts, and literature, with cities like Valencia, Zaragoza, Toledo, Seville, and Cordoba flourishing.
In the eleventh century, Al-Andalus fragmented into smaller kingdoms called Taifas. Meanwhile, the Christian kingdoms of Navarre and Aragon emerged in the north. The Kingdom of Asturias, with its capital in Oviedo, became the Kingdom of Leon in 910.
The Kingdom of Castile emerged from the Kingdom of Leon, and the two kingdoms eventually united to form the Crown of Castile. The Crown of Aragon, comprising the kingdoms of Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia, also formed. Portugal emerged as a separate kingdom from Leon.
The Christian kingdoms gradually expanded their territories, culminating in the Reconquista, the centuries-long process of reclaiming the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.