History of Spain - Salamanca History
The
history
of
Salamanca
goes
back
to the
times
of the
prehistoric
settlements
on the
banks
of the
River
Tormes.
Legend
says
that
later,
the
area
was
occupied
by three
civilizations,
one
after
the
other:
The
Ligurians,
the
Celts
and
the
Iberians. |
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The Roman bridge in Salamanca has been a symbol of the city
forever. It was during the occupation of the Iberians that
Salamanca really began to grow. As a reminder of Iberian times
is the gate of Hannibal commemorating the wars between the
Romans and the Carthaginians. |
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| Of all the people that have lived in
Salamanca, the Romans had the most influence. The Romans
embellished the city with monuments, some of which can still
be admired today. |
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Under the Visigoths, the city became known as Salamantica and it was
at this time when coins began to be minted in the city.
The Moors laid siege to Salamanca several times, the first of which
was in the year 903. |
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| During
the
Middle
Ages
Salamanca
grew
into a
religious
and
university
centre
of
great
importance.
The
Cathedrals
were
built
and
the
University
was
founded,
along
with a
large
number
of
monasteries
and
convents.
Alfonso
XI was
baptised
in the
cathedral
here. |
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One of
the
last
important
events
in the
history
of
Salamanca
was in
1809
during
the
War of
Independence
when
the
French
invaded
the
city.
After
years
of
domination
and
looting
the
French
were
finally
defeated
by the
Duke
of
Wellington
at the
Battle
of
Salamanca
in
July
1812. |
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