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The origin stories of Spain and Portugal: How did the history of the Iberian Peninsula shape the countries we know today?
The Iberian Peninsula, located in Southwest Europe, is a region with a long history. This land is not only the root of today's Spain and Portugal, but also the place where many civilizations blended. The peninsula's name is derived from ancient Greek and ancient Latin and has a close connection with the Iberus River (now the Ebro River), so the history of the Iberian Peninsula can be traced back thousands of years. This fascinating area was once the crossroads of multiple civilizations and had a profound influence on the formation of modern Spain and Portugal.
"History is not just a review of the past, but also the cornerstone of today's society."
Early Society in the Iberian Peninsula
As early as 1.2 million years ago, humans were inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, and archaeologists discovered human fossils in the ruins of the Ataburca Mountains. By the Neolithic Age, various cultures began to emerge here, including megalithic culture and early agricultural society. Over time, these early residents communicated and traded with seafaring peoples from surrounding areas such as the Phoenicians and Greeks, promoting cultural integration and development.
The influence of the Roman period
In 218 BC, Roman troops occupied the Iberian Peninsula during the Second Punic War, calling it "Hispania". In the following hundreds of years, local development was closely linked to the rule of the Roman Empire, and the construction of many cities and infrastructure originated from this period. At that time, Latin became the dominant language and had a profound influence on the subsequent development of Spanish and Portuguese.
“Since the era of Roman rule, the cultural and social structure of the Iberian Peninsula has begun to become diverse and complex.”
The Middle Ages: Moorish rule and the rise of Christian kingdoms
In 711, the Moorish army conquered the Visigothic Kingdom and began more than 700 years of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula, known historically as "Muslim Spain"; this period was an important period of cultural and academic prosperity. With the establishment of the Muslim kingdom, Christian power gradually rose in the north, eventually forming the Christian kingdom with Castile, Aragon and Portuga as its core.
The process of rebuilding an individual country
In 1492, the Christian kingdom successfully completed the reconstruction of the Iberian Peninsula, and the end of Moorish rule marked the beginning of modern Spain and Portugal. This was followed not only by changes in ruling structures but also by massive global colonial expansion, bringing their cultural and political influence to the New World and beyond.
“The intersection of reconstruction and expansion is both a symbol of prosperity and a source of conflict.”
Modern diversity and connections
Today's Spain and Portugal are the intersection of oceans, full of influences from different cultures. Whether in language, music or gastronomy, the diversity of the Iberian Peninsula is evident in every corner. At the same time, the history of the two countries still exerts a profound influence on contemporary society, from social structure to the formation of national identity, showing the continuation and change of history. ”
Conclusion: The continuation of history
In exploring the origin stories of Spain and Portugal, we not only understand the trajectory of the past, but also discover the complexities of cultural exchange and identity. How will this land full of history continue to shape future national and national identity?
