Brief History of Portugal: Indispensable for Travellers

This book provides a comprehensive history of Portugal,from the Stone Age to the present day. It covers the country's prehistory, classical period, medieval period, Spanish rule, global role, and contemporary period. The book also explores the history and character of Portugal's principal regions, including the Azores, Madeira, and the Cape Verde Islands.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 02 April 2020
\n Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
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Portugal's history is a captivating journey that spans thousands of years, from the Stone Age to the present day. In this comprehensive history, we explore the various periods that have shaped Portugal's identity and contributed to its global significance.

The Stone Age:

Portugal's Stone Age history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements and the use of stone tools. These early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who survived by hunting animals and gathering fruits and vegetables. As time passed, they developed more complex societies, with the construction of villages and the use of agriculture.

Classical Portugal:

The classical period of Portugal's history begins with the arrival of the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula and established a Roman province called Lusitania. Portugal became a part of this province and experienced a period of cultural and economic growth. The Romans built roads, bridges, and aqueducts, which facilitated trade and communication throughout the region.

The Roman era also saw the development of Christianity in Portugal, with the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church. This religion would play a significant role in shaping Portugal's culture and society for centuries to come.

Suevi, Visigoths, and Moors:

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Portugal was invaded by the Suevi, a Germanic tribe. The Suevi ruled Portugal for several centuries before being conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century AD. The Visigoths also ruled Portugal for a period before being conquered by the Moors in the 8th century AD.

The Moors ruled Portugal for over 700 years, during which time they introduced many cultural and technological advancements to the region. They built impressive mosques, palaces, and gardens, and they also developed a sophisticated irrigation system that allowed for the cultivation of crops. However, the Moors also practiced slavery and forced conversion to Islam.

Medieval Portugal:

The medieval period of Portugal's history saw the rise of Christian Portugal, culminating in the expulsion of the Moors in the 12th century. The Christian reconquest of Portugal was led by King Afonso Henriques, who defeated the Moors at the Battle of Covadonga in 711 AD.

After the expulsion of the Moors, Portugal experienced a period of economic and cultural growth. The country was divided into several kingdoms and provinces, each with its own unique culture and traditions. During this period, Portugal also became a major player in the European trade scene, with the establishment of trading ports and the development of trade routes.

Spanish Rule:

In the 15th century, Portugal was invaded by Spain, which ruled Portugal for over 600 years. The Spanish rule brought about significant changes to Portugal's culture and society. The Spanish language was introduced, and the Roman Catholic Church was replaced by the Spanish Inquisition.

However, the Spanish rule also brought about some economic and political stability to Portugal. The country was able to develop its economy and infrastructure, and it became a major player in the European trade scene. The Spanish also introduced new technologies and agricultural practices to Portugal, which helped to improve the country's productivity.

Manueline Portugal:

In the 16th century, Portugal was ruled by the Portuguese dynasty known as the Manueline. This dynasty was characterized by its military prowess and its commitment to the Portuguese Empire. The Manueline period saw the development of the Portuguese Navy, which became a major player in the European trade scene. Portugal also expanded its territory into Africa and Asia, establishing colonies and trading posts.

Henry the Navigator:

One of the most famous figures in Portuguese history is Henry the Navigator. Henry was a Portuguese prince who was known for his exploration and discovery of new territories. He is credited with the discovery of the Atlantic Ocean and the route to India. Henry's exploration and discovery efforts helped to establish Portugal as a major player in the European trade scene and helped to promote the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

Vasco da Gama:

Another famous figure in Portuguese history is Vasco da Gama. Vasco was a Portuguese explorer who is credited with the discovery of the sea route to India. He is also known for his role in the Portuguese Empire's expansion into Africa and Asia. Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea route to India helped to establish Portugal as a major player in the global trade scene and helped to promote the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

Belém:

Belém is a city in Portugal that is famous for its architectural landmarks, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. These landmarks are a testament to the Portuguese Empire's wealth and power during the Manueline period. The Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important architectural landmarks in the world.

Portugal's Global Role:

Portugal's global role during the age of exploration, or expansion, in the fifteenth century to 1580 was significant. Portugal was the first of the Atlantic empires, with territory in the Azores, Madeira, West Africa, and Brazil. The country's empire in Asia, in Malacca, Macao, Goa, and Timor, continued even longer, until the 1990s.

Portugal's global influence was due to its strategic location, its strong military, and its ability to exploit new trade routes. The country's exploration and discovery efforts helped to establish Portugal as a major player in the global trade scene and helped to promote the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

Baroque Portugal:

Between 1640 and 1800, Portugal was ruled by the Baroque dynasty known as the Habsburg. This dynasty was characterized by its extravagant wealth and its commitment to the Portuguese Empire. The Baroque period saw the development of the Portuguese Navy, which became a major player in the European trade scene. Portugal also expanded its territory into Africa and Asia, establishing colonies and trading posts.

The 19th Century:

The 19th century brought turmoil to Portugal in the form of a French invasion, the Peninsular War, Brazilian independence, successive revolutions, economic issues, and the end of the monarchy. The French invasion of Portugal in 1807 led to the loss of several territories, including Brazil, which was annexed by France. The Peninsular War, which lasted from 1808 to 1814, was a conflict between Portugal and Spain that resulted in the loss of several territories, including the Algarve.

The 19th century also saw the rise of nationalism in Portugal, with the establishment of political parties and movements that advocated for Portuguese independence. The Revolutions of 1820 and 1821 were two of the most significant revolutions in Portuguese history, as they led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the end of the Portuguese Empire.

Republican Portugal:

In the early years of the 20th century, Portugal experienced further chaos in the form of a Republican revolution. The revolution was led by a group of military officers who sought to establish a democratic government in Portugal. The revolution was successful, and Portugal was established as a republic.

However, the Republican government was not stable, and it was plagued by political instability and economic problems. In 1926, a military coup d'état led to the establishment of a dictatorship known as the Salazar regime. The Salazar regime was characterized by its authoritarianism and its commitment to the Portuguese Empire.

The Salazar regime was in power for over 40 years, until it was overthrown in the Carnation Revolution of 1974. The Carnation Revolution was a peaceful revolution that was led by a group of military officers and civilians who sought to establish a democratic government in Portugal. The revolution was successful, and Portugal was established as a constitutional monarchy.

Portugal's Role in World Wars:

Portugal played a significant role in both world wars. In World War I, Portugal was neutral, but it provided financial and logistical support to the Allied forces. In World War II, Portugal was invaded by Germany and Italy, but it resisted the invasion and remained neutral until the end of the war.

Conclusion:

Portugal's history is a fascinating journey that spans thousands of years, from the Stone Age to the present day. The country has experienced a variety of periods, including the Roman, Suevi, Visigoth, and Moorish invasions, the medieval period, the Spanish rule, the Manueline period, the Henry the Navigator period, the Vasco da Gama period, the Belém period, the Baroque period, the 19th century, the Republican period, the Salazar regime, and the Carnation Revolution. Portugal's global role during the age of exploration and its commitment to the Portuguese Empire have contributed to its significant influence in the world.

\n Weight: 206g\n
Dimension: 127 x 304 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472143587\n \n