History of Valencia

Valencia has its origins back to 138 B.C, when the Romans had first set foot in this land. This city was founded on the site of a former lberian town by the river Turia, which they called "Valentia". Remnants of this significant era can still be found in Sagunto, a historical town containing few ruins including a Roman theatre. History of Valencia hence is soaked in rich culture of Valencia and traditions of the Romans as well as the rapid modernizations that characterizes the whole of Europe.

Under the Romans Valencia was a Roman military colony; later became one of the principal cities of Hispania Tarraconensis province, under the rule of Pompey. Post the Roman Empire, the Visigoths, Moors and the Aragonese tribes occupied the city and hence leaving a clear mark of their existence here. The archeologists have discovered few remains of a funerary Visigothic chapel reflecting the presence of the Visigoths in Valencia. This period was marred with countless battles and economic strife. Taking advantage of the situation the Moors occupied the territory in 709 AD. Valencia history is an eventful journey of richness, poverty, conquests and of course chivalry.

The Moors came in with rich Islamic culture under which Valencia prospered. It saw booming trade in silk, paper, leather, ceramics, silver-work and glass. Valencia, even today continues to speak loud about this era through the various architectural legacies like mosques. However with the death of Almanzor, the state was divided into various kingdoms, which were soon be conquered by legendary Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, el "Cid Campeador" during the Christian re-conquest of Spain.

Following years in the history of Valencia saw her succession several times through conquests by several rulers like Almoravids in 1102, Jaime the conqueror in 1238 and King James 1 of Aragon in 1338 again. The 15th and 16th centuries saw Valencia becoming one of the major cities in the Mediterranean. There was a trend of development in this era with the first printing press in the Iberian Peninsula in Valencia.

The next upheaval in the history of Valencia came with the War of Spanish succession which forced Spanish Bourbon army into withdrawal to a handful of English cavalrymen. The bourbons however took over charge at the Battle of Almansa. Perhaps one of the final blows came with the Spanish Civil War when the capital of the Republic was moved to Valencia, and the city suffered from the blockade and siege by Franco's forces.

Valencia was finally granted Autonomous Statutes in 1982. Since then the city has never looked back. It has been hosting various events such as the historic American Cup Yacth race in 2003 and has been a major destination for tourists to Europe.