The geographical position of this Spanish city, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, undoubtedly plays an important role. The history of Valencia began with the founding of a fortress by the Romans, the name of the city of Valentia was translated from Latin in this way. It is believed that the city was founded by representatives of the Roman Empire in 138 BC, but archaeologists claim that there were earlier settlements of the Carthaginians and Greeks in these places.
From fortress to city
In the 1st century BC. the settlement was captured by the rebellious Lusitanians, they almost completely destroyed the city. One of the Roman consuls restored the city buildings, he also renamed the settlement to Valentia, the name was interpreted both as a "fortress" and as a "good omen". The heyday of this Roman colony is associated with the reign of Emperor Augustus. Convenient location contributes to the development of the city and its industries, economy and trade.
The history of Valencia is briefly divided into the following periods (after the Romans):
- the seizure of territories by the Visigoths (413);
- the period of the reign of the Moors (from 714);
- Christian period (from 1238);
- Kingdom of Valencia (until 1707);
- as part of Spain (until today).
The Visigoths conquered not only Valencia, other Roman fortresses were also captured. After them, the Moors came to these territories, the city fell under the rule of the Cordoba Caliphate. The conquerors contributed to the development of the city, and in the beginning they even made it their capital (of the Mauritanian kingdom).
In 1094, an attempt was made to return Valencia to Spanish rule, but this time did not last long. Even in a short period, the city became one of the largest centers of Christianity, then the Moors returned.
A new Christian period in the history of Valencia began in 1238, thanks to King James I of Aragon. By the 15th century, the city came to the fore in the Mediterranean in terms of trade and export, on the other hand, the discovery of America led to a decrease in the city's role in the European economy, a general crisis.
Valencia in the XVIII – XX centuries
By the end of the 17th century, Valencia was under the rule of the Aragonese crown, the autonomy was abolished, the city lost its independence and was on the verge of losing its own language.
The beginning of the next century was marked by the Napoleonic Wars, the inhabitants of Valencia opposed the French troops. From the middle of the 19th century, an economic upturn in the region began, as well as a revival of the economy and trade. During the Civil War (already in the twentieth century), the provisional Spanish government was in this city, making it the de facto capital.
