subject: Evolution From Ancient To Modern Valencia [print this page] Although it was destroyed by Pompey, rebuilding efforts soon commenced to make it one of the principal cities of the Tarraconensis province.
Valencia has been occupied by many people ranging from foreigners like the Visigoths and the Moors to the Catalans and the Aragonese. In ancient times, it was even colonized by the Phoenicians and the Greeks, thus, its rich history spanning hundreds of years of being the influenced and the influencer.
Tourists can experience such history in every street corner, in every museum and in every event in the city. We suggest booking a holiday apartment online before visiting Valencia, which will make the explorations around the city easier because great accommodations are waiting at the end of the night.
Islamic culture came with the peaceful occupation of the city by the Moors, Berbers and Arabs beginning in 714 AD. With them came the distinctive architectural legacy of Valencia together with the products for which it is known for today - silk, leather, glass, silverworks, and ceramics.
The predominance of Islamic culture in the city gradually waned with unrests marking the later period. When El Cid conquered the city on June 1094, Christianity became dominant but only for a short period of 7 years. It was later reverted to the Almoravid control, then the Emperor of Spain Alfonso and then the Almoravid Masdali took possession once again. For more than a century, the Almohad dynasty ruled the city only to be overthrown by King James I of Aragon the Conqueror.
It can be said that the 15th and 16th centuries was the heyday of Valencia because of its status as one of the major urban centers of the Mediterranean region. Such was its clout and wealth that Valencian bankers lent the funds for Columbus' trip to the Americas in 1492.
The succeeding centuries saw the War of the Spanish Succession when the English held the city for 16 months; the Peninsular War when the French besieged the city; and the Spanish Civil War when Valencia became the capital of the Republic. Franco's forces blockaded the city, thus, making life very difficult for the Valencianos. In fact, the postwar regime of Franco saw the suppression of Valencian culture because of its former alliances.
It was only in 1982 when Valencia was granted its Autonomous Statutes. Since then, it has gained its status as the capital city of the Autonomous Community of Valencia with ancient architecture like the Quart Towers on one hand and the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences on the other hand attesting to its long, rich and colorful history from the ancient Romans to the proud Valencianos. Put simply, Valencia is a city forever evolving and yet still retaining its core essence.
