Legendary Barcelona And Its Equally Legendary History
Barcelona is no stranger to legend
Barcelona is no stranger to legend. Even its foundation is subject to not just one but two different legends - first, its founding 400 years before Rome itself by the mythological Hercules and, second, its establishment by the historical figure Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca who named it after the family name - Barcino - in the 3rd century BC.
When the Romans came into town, it was gradually remade into a Roman military camp (castrum) with the full name of Colonia Julia Augusta Faventia Paterna Barcino.
It may have been eclipsed by the neighboring towns, most particularly by modern-day Tarragona, but the town gradually became wealthier because of its favorable geographical location with stunning vistas and an excellent harbor.
Then and now, Barcelona has strived to separate itself from its neighboring provinces. Barcino then was immune from the imperial burdens and even minted its own coins.
But like all other places on earth, Barcelona was not immune to foreign invasions. It was invaded by the Visigoths and the Muslims although it can be said that only with the coming of the French Army to drive away the Muslims in 801 AD did the modern history of the city begin. By this time, the Catalans were truly a distinct people with roots in southern France.
From the 12th to the 14th century Barcelona continued to flourish as marked by its lordship over a mini-empire that included Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, Valencia, the Balearic region, the French regions of Cerdagne and Rousillon and parts of Greece.
But it was not to last long during the 15th century when a combination of diseases, bank crashes and international competition resulted in the disintegration of the empire. Not even the union with Castile can bring back its former glory.
After a 1462 rebellion against King Joan II, Barcelona became part of the territories of the Castilian state but was insultingly excluded from partaking of the riches from the conquest of the Americas.
It was the basis for the many revolts of the Catalans that led to the city's siding with the Austrians and the British during the War of the Spanish Succession. With the victory of Felipe V, Barcelona became subjects once again.
It was only in 1778 when Catalonia was granted permission to engage in American trade did the city's fortunes began to brighten. And then, the Spanish industrial revolution came into the city with the industries of cotton, wine, cork and iron coming in succession.
Again, Barcelona was not immune to internal strife. Republicans, anarchists, gangsters, police terrorists, bourgeois regionalists, and political gunmen all vied for center position in the social, political and economic landscape of the city.
Today, fortunately, Barcelona is a peaceful city on the rise with sights and sounds unique to the region of Catalonia and the 1992 Olympic Games as one of the jewels in its history of legends and of a legendary people.
To enjoy the history of Barcelona, book a holiday apartment online today. You will then be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city without worries about putting your feet up.
by: Gaizka Pujana
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