Historical Encyclopedia
Portugal has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The earliest traces of human activity on the territory of modern Portugal date back to the Paleolithic era. In the Neolithic period, the first settlements appeared on this land, leaving behind megalithic monuments such as Almédilha.
From the 6th century BC, the territory of Portugal was inhabited by Celtic tribes, and later Phoenicians and Greeks arrived, establishing important trade posts. In the 3rd century BC, the Roman Empire conquered these lands and made them part of the province of Lusitania, leading to significant cultural influence.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, a new period began on the Iberian Peninsula. In the 5th century, the territory of Portugal was conquered by the Visigoths. In the 8th century, Muslims, after their conquest, established the Emirate of Cordoba on these lands.
In the 9th century, the Reconquista began — the process of liberating the peninsula from Muslim rule. In 1139, the Portuguese count Afonso I declared the independence of Portugal, and in 1179, the Pope confirmed his title as king.
From the 15th century, Portugal became one of the leading maritime powers in the world. King John I and his son Henry the Navigator played a key role in the development of navigation. The Portuguese opened new trade routes, including the route to India around Africa and the Brazilian coastline.
This era led to the creation of a vast colonial empire. Portugal discovered many new lands, including Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, contributing to its economic and cultural prosperity.
However, in the 17th-18th centuries, crises began due to internal conflicts and external wars. In 1580, Portugal was united with Spain, causing discontent among the Portuguese. In 1640, the country regained its independence.
In the 19th century, Portugal faced political instability, resulting in two Carbonária uprisings. The Republic was declared in 1910, but the political situation remained complex throughout the century.
In 1926, a military coup took place in the country, leading to the establishment of an authoritarian regime under António Salazar. This regime lasted until 1974, when the Carnation Revolution occurred, leading to the fall of the dictatorship and the establishment of democracy.
Since then, Portugal has actively developed as a democratic state and joined the European Union in 1986. Today, Portugal is an important participant in the international political and economic scene.
Portugal is renowned for its cultural heritage, including fado music, Manueline architecture, and cuisine. The country is also known for its traditions and festivals, such as the Feast of Saint Anthony in Lisbon and the Feast of Saint Mary in Porto.
Portugal has also made significant contributions to science and the arts, being the birthplace of renowned artists, writers, and scientists. These cultural achievements continue to inspire and attract tourists from all over the world.