Mallorca’s History
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain is the island of Mallorca (English: Majorca). It is the largest island in Spain and enjoys warm Mediterranean weather with cool ocean breezes that keep it from being too hot in the summer. Visitors can enjoy the abundance of shopping and dining options as well as the popular nightlife. Accomodations range from private cottages to expansive resorts and a selection of 5 star hotels Mallorca.
Many visitors take time to explore the history of this gorgeous island. Archaelogical evidence dates back to the Paleolithic period of 6000 to 4000 B.C. In 123 B.C. the Romans occupied Mallorca and founded Palmaria (today’s capital city of Palma) and Polentia (now known as Alcudia). The island enjoyed Roman prosperity until it was concquered by the Vandals in 426. A century later, the Byzantine Empire took control and made the island part of Sardinia.
Christianity grew to prominance under the Byzantines, until Muslim raiders began attacking in 707. These raids continued until 902 when the Caliphate of Cordoba seized control. After a century of expansion under the Moors, Mallorca was ruled by a succession of conquerors, suffering various seiges and attacks until the island came under the crown of Aragon in the early 13th century.
From 1479 until 1716, Mallorca was held under Aragon and Castile rule. The War of Spanish Succession created a unified Spanish Monarchy and the Decretos de Nueva Planta placed Mallorca as part of the Baleares province. Mallorca was a Nationalist stronghold during the Spanish Civil War and was the site of the Battle of Mallorca in 1936.
Today, urban redevelopment and the meteoric tourist industry make Mallorca a haven for tourists from all across Europe and the rest of the world.
Related posts: