2. History 16,000 B.C. Cave paintings in Northern Spain Give exciting clues about the early people Ancient Times Important part of Mediterranean trade Greeks & Phoenicians built towns on coasts 200 B.C. Iberia became part of Roman Empire A.D. 700s Moors (Muslim North Africans) conquered Iberian Peninsula Architecture from Moors still present in Spain today
3. Great Empires 900s to 1400s Christian rulers fought to get peninsula back 1492 King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella conquered last Moorish outpost Also sponsored Christopher Columbus trip to the Americas Portugal also sent out explorers 1490s Pope divide the world between Spain & Portugal Western lands, except Brazil, given to Spain Eastern lands given to Portugal Spain & Portugal grew rich from gold & agriculture from the American colonies, as well as from spices & silk from Asia 1588 King Philip II sent an armada to attack England Spanish were defeated & power began to decline Most colonies in America did not gain independence until early 1800s
4. Government 1930s King of Spain lost power Became workers’ republic Tried to reduce role of church & give nobles’ lands to farmers Military leaders resisted & civil war followed Today Spain is a democracy w/ a national assembly & prime minister King plays modest role as head of state Portugal was ruled by a monarch 1900s monarchy was overthrown Became a democracy Later overthrown by a dictator Revolution in the 1970s took place Today Portugal is a democracy w/ a president & prime minister
5. Culture Spanish is most common dialect Basque people Have been given limited self-rule by the gov’t Small group still uses violence to protest Spanish control Food & Festivals Foods typical of Mediterranean (olives, olive oil, lemons, wheat, wine, & fish) Spain & Portugal are strong Roman Catholic countries
6. The Arts Reflective of the people who have lived in the region Islamic influences in porcelain African influences in music & dance Pablo Picasso most famous painter of this region
7. Spain & Portugal Today Both belong to European Union Allows free trade, travel, & exchange of workers among its members Economies are growing rapidly Ag. Products: wine, fruit, olives, olive oil, & cork Cars/trucks, Oranges, beef, & lamb are also exported Portugal exports clothing & timber products Tourism is also important
