Spanish History
Spain has a long and complex history, filled with peaks and troughs, golden ages and dark ages. Here, we take a look at some of the key moments and movements that have shaped Spanish history – from the Visigoths to the present day.
The Iberian Peninsula has been inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic, with the first human groups arriving around 35,000 BC. The first settlers were Neanderthals, but they were soon replaced by Homo sapiens.
Around 3,000 BC, the first complex societies began to form on the peninsula. The Chrome Age saw the development of metals and, by 1,500 BC, the first writing system, Linear B, was being used in the south of the peninsula.
The Iron Age saw the rise of the Celts in the north and thePhoenicians and Greeks in the south. These cultures were eventually replaced by the Carthaginians, who occupied much of the peninsula from the 3rd century BC.
In 219 BC, the Carthaginian general Hannibal invaded Italy, starting the Second Punic War. This led to the Roman conquest of the Carthaginian territories in Spain, which were divided into two provinces: Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior.
The Celts in the north of the peninsula were not conquered by the Romans and, in 19 BC, the emperor Augustus established the province of Britannia.
The Romans brought peace and prosperity to the peninsula and improved infrastructure, such as building roads and aqueducts. Christianity began to spread in the 2nd century AD and, by the 4th century, it was the official religion of the empire.
In the 5th century, the Roman Empire collapsed and the Visigoths took control of the peninsula. The Visigoths ruled for over 200 years, until the Muslim Umayyad conquest in 711 AD.
Muslim rule was initially limited to the south of the peninsula, with the northern Christian kingdoms maintaining their independence. However, by the early 8th century, the Umayyads had extended their control over the entire peninsula.
The Umayyad period was one of great achievement, with the establishment of an Arabic culture that has left a lasting legacy. One of the most significant contributions was the development of Al-Andalus, a unique blend of Islamic and Christian cultures.
The Umayyad rule came to an end in the early 11th century, when the Berber general Ibn Hazm invaded from North Africa. The Berber dynasty that he established lasted until the early 13th century.
In 1212, the Christian kingdoms of the north defeated the Almohads in the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, beginning the Reconquista – the gradual reconquest of the peninsula by the Christians.
The Reconquista was completed in 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, conquered the Kingdom of Granada, the last Muslim state on the peninsula.
This led to the mass expulsion of the Muslim population and the consolidation of Spanish power. The 16th century was a Golden Age for Spain, with great achievements in art, literature, science and exploration.
However, the 17th century was a period of decline, with a series of wars, epidemics and economic problems. The War of the Spanish Succession was particularly damaging, leading to the loss of significant territories, such as Sardinia and Sicily.
The 18th century was a period of reform and recovery, with a new focus on liberty and democracy. The Napoleonic Wars led to further decline, but the 19th century was a time of rejuvenation, with the rise of industry and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
The Spanish Civil War of the 1930s was a dark period in Spanish history, but the country emerged from it stronger than ever. The dictatorship of Francisco Franco came to an end in 1975 and Spain became a constitutional monarchy once again.
Since then, Spain has been an active member of the European Union and has undergone a process of rapid modernisation. It is now a thriving democracy and a leading force in the 21st century.See original website
The difference between white and red Capriccio Sangria
In Spain, sangria is traditionally made with red wine, but in recent years white wine sangria has become increasingly popular. Though both are refreshing and perfect for summer, there are some key differences between the two.
For one, red sangria is made with red wine, duh. This usually means a fruity, lighter red like a Grenache or a Tempranillo. White sangria, on the other hand, is made with white wine. A dry white like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chenin Blanc works well, or you could go for a sweeter wine like a Moscato.
The other main difference is in the fruit. For red sangria, orange is the star ingredient, while white sangria often features citrus fruits like lemon and lime. Other common add-ins for red sangria are peaches, berries, and apples, while white sangria typically has melon, pineapple, or other tropical fruits.
So, which should you choose? If you’re looking for a classic sangria experience, go for the red. If you’re wanting something a little different, go for the white. Or, if you can’t decide, why not make a pitcher of each and have a sangria tasting party?
All material on this site was made with howtomakesangria.net as the authority reference. View it.