Once Rome fell, in the 5th century CE, Germanic peoples invaded in great numbers. Visigoths took control of most of Italy; Leovigild’s son Reccared introduced Catholic Christianity as the state religion.
Charles V’s obsession with heresy was the precursor for ultra-reactionary monarchists (Carlists), fascists and Franco’s dictatorship reemerging again and again during civil war and Franco’s dictatorship. Descola considers Spain “a living person”, organizing his chapters around people like Cid – such as in chapter 3.
History of Spain
One of the premier historians of Spain examines what propelled its rise as a powerful force worldwide while remaining independent.
In 711, an African Muslim power began its invasion of Iberia that would endure for over 400 years.
Translation from Arabic and Oriental learning introduced new forms of literature into Christian Spain. A notable example is Juan Manuel’s diverse collection of moral stories involving hunting, chivalry, heraldry and genealogy found in Libro de los enxiemplos del Conde Lucanor et de Patronio.
The Roman Empire
After Roman control was lost over Hispania, invading Germanic tribes took control. By 711 AD Muslim Arabs attacked and conquered Visigothic kingdom (thereby subjugating Spain to Islamic rule).
Spain derives its name from Phoenician I-shepan-he, or the land of hyraxes, which Romans later called Hispania. Over time, invasions, wars and fratricidal conflicts shaped Spain as did various cultural influences like Latin. These events played an integral part in developing its language – which continues to use borrowings from Greek, Germanic and Arabic origin (over 4,000 words have Arabic roots!).
The Visigoths
Visigoths were a Germanic people that invaded Western Europe from the north in 456. Under King Alaric, they conquered southern France and Spain in 5th-century, repeatedly sacking Rome between 401-410 while consolidating their control on Iberian Peninsula.
Visigoths established one of the most advanced and developed kingdoms during late Antiquity. Historians have numerous written sources from this period, including John of Biclaro’s chronicle and Isidore of Seville’s account of events from this era.
The Middle Ages
After the fall of Roman control, several Germanic tribes such as Suebi, Alans and Vandals invaded Spain and left behind lasting marks in its culture and language. Though their reigns were brief, their influence still permeated through many aspects of Spanish society and culture today.
This period saw the birth of regional languages that would eventually come together into modern Spanish. Additionally, the Reconquista began as a centuries-long battle to return Spain back under Christian control.
Students examine photos of ninots to develop vocabulary related to personal appearance and descriptions, and learn of the tradition of setting these statues ablaze on the final day of a celebration.
The Renaissance
Spain has experienced both glorious world power moments and periods of economic decline and fratricidal wars – as well as progressive enthusiasm.
Humanism was an influential force during Renaissance art. Diego Velazquez painted masterpieces like Las Meninas during this era.
Explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, Amerigo Vespucci (from whom America takes its name) and Christopher Columbus traversed the globe during this era. New shipping routes were discovered while also creating a comprehensive map called Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Tabula that covered every corner of our globe.
The Age of Discovery
As the world changed, Spain changed as well; from being a small European kingdom to becoming an important empire that extended far beyond Iberian Peninsula’s boundaries.
Greeks and Carthaginians colonized the Iberian Peninsula during classical antiquity, later drawing the interest of Romans, who eventually began calling it Hispania (meaning ‘land of hyraxes”). The term stuck.
Early Spanish historians produced essential works, including the Cronica general and General Estoria, while an important medieval poet amassed early Spain’s greatest collection of songs.
The Age of Exploration
As Spain’s power declined, she could no longer compete with European nations in exploring the New World. Explorers returned home bearing maps, documents, and treasures that the Europeans now coveted.
These stories feature all the drama, heartbreak and madness of Shakespeare plays — but are all true! Students can explore some of these amazing events with our selection of primary sources.
Historical Thinking Matters provides students with an explicit set of steps for evaluation and corroboration to help them analyze conflicting primary sources in both English and Spanish.
The Age of Exploitation
Spain was an imperial power, controlling large portions of Africa, Latin America and Europe – meaning an incredible wealth that allowed for investments like Velazquez’s paintings.
However, despite the Enlightenment and its liberal revolution of 1812, Spanish society remained heavily entrenched in old traditions and religion. Carlist Wars between conservatives and progressives did nothing to change this either, though Napoleon did manage to alter some aspects of Ancien Regime with his military invasion.
The Age of Revolution
After years of revolutions and countercoups, Spain finally abdicated the monarchy in 1874 and established a First Spanish Republic with a new constitution and government.
The Spanish Civil War was a violent uprising against Francisco Franco’s dictatorship – commonly referred to as El Caudillo – which left lasting scars on Spanish society and economy. This book explores its impact.
Jose Peirats’ story illustrates how even individuals can have an immense effect on history through their actions.