History of Portgal// Portgal History // Portgal

 Portugal has a rich and varied history that spans over 800 years. Here is a brief overview of the key events and periods in the country's history:

Prehistoric and Ancient Periods:

Portugal has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the first modern humans settling in the region around 35,000 BC. The country was later occupied by the Celtic Lusitani tribes, who were conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. During the Roman occupation, Portugal became an important trading center and a hub of Roman culture.

Middle Ages:

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Portugal was conquered by the Visigoths, and later by the Moors, who occupied the country for over four centuries. During this time, Portugal experienced significant cultural and economic growth, and many of the country's cities, including Lisbon and Porto, were founded.

Reconquista and Independence:

In the late 11th century, the Christian kingdoms of Spain began a campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors, known as the Reconquista. Portugal became an independent kingdom in 1139, after the Battle of Ourique, in which the Portuguese army, led by Afonso Henriques, defeated the Moors.

Age of Discovery:

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal became one of the leading maritime powers in Europe, thanks to the voyages of exploration led by figures such as Vasco da Gama, who became the first European to reach India by sea, and Ferdinand Magellan, who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the world. The Portuguese Empire, which at its height included territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, was one of the largest and most influential empires in history.

Monarchy and Republic: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Portugal experienced a series of political and economic changes, including the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic in 1910. During this time, the country faced several challenges, including economic instability, political unrest, and the impact of two world wars.

Contemporary History:

In the latter half of the 20th century, Portugal underwent significant economic and social changes, including the implementation of democratic reforms, the end of its colonial empire, and its entry into the European Union in 1986. Today, Portugal is a vibrant, modern country with a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage.