The History of Spain

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The History of Spain

Spain's history can be traced back as far as 3000BC, where Paleolithic cave paintings were found in the region of the Bay of Biscay and the western Pyrenees. These paintings exhibited a remarkable degree of animation and skill. About 1000BC the southern region became the first invasion point for the Iberians, Iberians were originally North African people who became the most prominent ethnologic element in the peninsula and gave its name. The Celts, who migrated from France, also invaded the peninsula and completely absorbed the central region and the northern mountains. Together these two groups form the Celtiberians. Around the 11th century BC the first Mediterranean seafaring people called the Phoenicians colonized in what now is Cadiz. Somewhat later traders from Rhodes and the Greek cities followed. They established colonies also along the Mediterranean coast. In the later part of the 3rd century BC the African State of Carthage, began to exploit the Peninsula. Under the Carthaginian General Hamilcar, a large part of peninsula was conquered in a campaign in from 237BC to 228 BC. That part of the peninsula is now known as Barcelona. This expansion was viewed unfavorable by the Romans and in 219 BC, after violating a Carthage-Rome agreement limiting Carthaginian territory, General Hannibal; destroyed the Greek colony of Saguntum, and started the second Punic war. Around 206 BC the Carthage was forced to evacuate the Peninsula, and nine years later Rome divided the peninsula into two provinces. The Hispanic Citerior, in the valley of the Ebro River and the Hispanic Ulterior, in the plain penetrated by the Guadalquivir River. Under the Romans, Hispania took its final form as three provinces: Lus...

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...oyal festivals and held as many as 50,000 spectators The Plaza de la Villa marks what was once old Madrid; here you can see stunning artwork and brilliant architecture. The Plaza de Oriente holds a fascinating story. The statues that surround the Plaza were actually built for the palace roof, but they were to heavy. The Plaza de las Ventas holds the largest bullfighting ring in Spain. The Plaza de Espana is one Madrid's most popular meeting place. The square obtained its' appearance during the Franco period. In Segovia you can find the Plaza Mayor, Which is located near the Alcazar. In the city of Toledo, you find the Plaza de Zocodover. It is located in the middle of town and and is known the ancient horse fairs. Sevilla is the home of the following Plaza's; Plaza de Santa Cruz, Plaza de Espana, Plaza Dona Elvira, and Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza.

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