Foreseeing the wonder that is Spain

If there would be plans of spending a very enriching and worthwhile vacation, one of the most eligible places to go is Spain. Sporting a time long, and diverse history and culture, Spain is a prime choice for any traveler who wishes to intensify knowledge and deepen the realization of this European nation.

Throughout world history, Spain has seen multiple changes in cultural paradigms, from religion to festivals to leadership. It also has undergone different government forms, and was also inhabited by different conflicting races during the medieval era.

Spain is also for the adventure seeker, as this nation has seen a lot of historical battles, from the ancient unification, to the medieval crusades and jihads, to the Age of Discovery, and to the World Wars.

Though these battles may have been grim during their events, these are but parts of why Spain has recovered to a strong nation as it is today. Time and time again, Spain has risen from the ashes and consistently establishes its name throughout the globe.

The Foundation which is Spain

Spain’s existence didn’t formally begin until around 35,000 years ago when people from different races traveled towards it. From Celtics, Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, this Iberian Peninsula was initially ruled by the Romans.

Rule was followed thereafter by the Visigoths. For the next several centuries, the Arab nation arrived and seized control in around 711 A.D. For the next 750 years, the moors, as the Spanish called them continued to build independent states and gradually develop.

Spanish culture was greatly influenced with the settlement of the Muslims during the middle ages. However, the height of the crusades triumphed over the settlements and was concluded in favor of Christianity in 1492 after the fall of Granada.

The nation was formally recognized as Spain during the creation of its Kingdom by the unification of the Kingdoms of Isabela of Aragon and Ferdinand of Castile. Their union marked the rapid end of the Muslim control over the peninsula.

Its dominant Christian culture was carried throughout the next centuries and is clearly manifested in the elaborate and grand festivals offered to the patron saints and the many churches and cathedrals found throughout the country.

When the nation transformed from conquerable to conqueror

After the reunification and Christianization of the Spanish peninsula, the country quickly rose as one of the most powerful nation in the world. Marked by the age of discovery, many prominent figures arose and represented Spain.

One distinct discoverer was Christopher Columbus. He discovered America and brought in gold and riches from the new world. This started the establishing of colonies, and caused the heightening of trade routes, thus increasing the national revenue.

For the next four centuries, the economic and military might of Spain faced constant danger. With the invasion of Napoleon, civil unrest during the early 1920’s, and several military dictatorships, Spain almost succumbed to collapse in national integrity.

However, its neutral stand during the Second World War gave the country enough time to stabilize its economy due to its economic and political isolation when every other involved country struggled to recuperate and regain its economic foothold.

Today, Spain boasts a stable economy and governance, especially upon its inclusion in the European Union.