A Captivating Guide to Portuguese History from Ancient Times to the Present (European Countries)
Did you know modern-day Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is the first European city built with seismic safety in mind?
And there is a very good reason for that! In 1755, Portugal was hit by an earthquake that would measure nine on the future Richter scale.
Portugal, which is located in the Iberian Peninsula, has a rich history that dates to prehistoric times. The first settlers left amazing art behind in the form of rock carvings and rock monoliths. These first peoples never left their country but were integrated into the many societies that came to Portugal over time. There were Phoenician traders, Romans, Germanic tribes, Muslims from North Africa, and Hispanic peoples. This mix of ethnicities resulted in a unique language and culture of the medieval Kingdom of Portugal. One might even say it influenced the modern-day Portuguese Republic as well.
Portugal is probably best known for exploring the world during the Age of Discovery. However, the history of mainland Portugal is rarely described outside of the country. The Age of Discovery is only briefly touched upon for this reason. There are many other fascinating things to talk about instead. These topics might be lesser known to readers. This book aims to familiarize English speakers. It presents the events and personas that built the Portuguese kingdom. It also highlights its overseas empire and the state that Portugal is today.
Instead of presenting dry facts, the book’s pages include interesting facts. They also contain historical events that are little known to the world outside of Portugal itself. In this book, you will learn:
- Who were the first people that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula?
- What was the early culture and religion of the peninsula?
- Which civilization first discovered the shores of Portugal?
- How did trade with the Phoenicians develop the culture of the indigenous people?
- How did the Carthaginian and Roman wars shape the Iberian Peninsula?
- Why did the Germanic tribes invade the peninsula?
- Did the Iberian Peninsula thrive under Islamic rule?
- Why did the Christian kings of the north launch the Iberian Reconquista?
- How did Afonso I form the medieval Kingdom of Portugal?
- How did the House of Avis rise to power and start the golden age of Portugal?
- Why has Portugal always struggled to preserve its independence?
- What role did the House of Braganza play in the restoration of Portuguese independence?
- How did the empire end, and how did Portugal become a republic?
History, #Reviews, #WorldHistory,
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I’m a Mom, a Grandmom, and a Veteran. Nothing scares me! That’s the saying on my favorite T Shirt. I’m enjoying life too much to let the little things slow me down. If you can’t tell from my Avatar, I live in Florida where I enjoy the sunshine and endure the hurricanes with good grace. Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good!
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