subject: Tracing The Long And Lively History Of Lisbon [print this page] The city of Lisbon in Portugal is the country's capital city and for good reasons, too. It is recognized as one of the world's alpha cities and, thus, it is considered a powerhouse in international finance, trade and commerce as well as in media, education, arts and entertainment.
With many historical sites, it is one of Europe's most visited cities for tourism. Of course, said sites have been borne of the long and lively history of the city spanning the Neolithic to the modern eras.
During the Neolithic times, Lisbon and its surrounding areas were inhabited by the Iberian-related people who built the religious stone monuments known as the megaliths, dolmens and menhirs, many of which still stand today.
Other peoples that either visited or inhabited the place may have included the Celts, Cathagians, Greeks and the Phoenicians. Legend has it, too, that Ulysses founded the city after his departure from Troy.
During the Roman period spanning two centuries beginning in 205 BC, Lisbon became one of the most important cities in the Iberian Peninsula (then called Hispania) and was renamed Felicitas Julia. Architecture dating from this period includes the Cassian Baths, temples to the gods, and the necropolis, to name a few.
It was in 711 when Lisbon was conquered by the Moors who promoted a culture of tolerance. As such, the city continued to flourish with a mixed population of Christians, Arabs, Jews, Berbers and Saqalibas.
In many areas of the city, the Islamic influence can still be experienced even after the destructive earthquake of 1755 destroyed its major parts. Other places in the city also bear Arabic names like the Alfama.
In 1147, the crusader knights restored Christian rule to Lisbon. Islamic traces were systematically erased beginning with the outlawing of the Arabic language, the transformation of mosques into churches and the forcible conversion - or expulsion when it was impossible - of the Muslim population.
In the later centuries of the Middle Ages, Lisbon flourished because of its favorable location. From the 15th to the 17th centuries, the city underwent the Age of Discovery when Vasco da Gama discovered new lands overseas.
It was in the 16th century when Lisbon became the European hub for commerce in commodities like spices, sugars, textiles and slaves. Culture also flourished with evidence like Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery being built during this period.
In 1580, Portugal lost its independence to Spain. It was only in 1640 after a revolt that Portuguese independence was restored.
A notable event happened in Lisbon - the great earthquake of 1755 - when the city was laid in ruins by flames, tsunami and the quake itself. Rebuilding efforts were done under the administration of Prime Minister Sebastiao Jose de Carvalho e Melo, the 1st Marquess of Pombal with modern rules as the guiding principles. Today, Lisbon is a modern city that reflects its long and lively past with pride.
To fully experience Lisbon, plan your vacation today by booking your holiday apartment in an online reservation site. You will surely have a lively, memorable and enjoyable stay in the city of explorers.
