Lisbon Portugal History: From Ancient Roots to Modern Marvels

Lisbon's rich history dates back to the Phoenicians, who established a trading post on the city's hilltop in the 7th century BC.

The Phoenicians were skilled traders and navigators, and their presence in Lisbon marked the beginning of the city's long history as a major commercial center.

Lisbon was later conquered by the Romans in 205 BC, who renamed it Felicitas Julia.

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Lisbon's ancient history dates back to the Roman era, where it was known as Olissipo. This city was a major commercial center, providing a link between the northern countries and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Romans were drawn to Olissipo's strategic location, which made it an ideal hub for trade. They fortified the city, building defensive city walls against Lusitanian raids and rebellions.

The city's population was around 30,000 at the time, with a mix of Latin speakers and Greek traders and slaves. The Romans granted the city Latin Rights, giving its citizens the privileges of Roman citizenship and exempting them from paying taxes.

Olissipo was a significant producer of garum, a fish sauce considered a luxury, as well as salt and Lusitanian horses renowned in antiquity. These products were likely traded throughout the Roman Empire.

The city was also a key location for the Romans, who sought to conquer the Lusitanians and other peoples of the northwest Iberian Peninsula.

Lisbon's history is marked by a significant invasion by the Islamic Moors in 711, who renamed the city al-Usbuma.

The Moors took control of Lisbon and held it for nearly a century, until Afonso II of Asturias reconquered it in 789, establishing a brief period of power that lasted until 808.

Lisbon's medieval period was marked by a rich cultural tapestry, with the city being one of the oldest in Western Europe.

The city's strategic location made it an attractive target for various invaders, including the Moors, who left a lasting impact on Lisbon's architecture and culture.

As a result, Lisbon's medieval period was a time of great cultural exchange, with the city's unique blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque styles becoming a hallmark of the city's architecture.

The Medieval Period was preceded by the Antiquity, a time of great cultural and societal change. The Roman Empire, which was the dominant power in Europe, had already begun to decline by the 5th century.

The fall of the Roman Empire led to a power vacuum, which was filled by various barbarian tribes, such as the Visigoths and Vandals. These tribes had a significant impact on the development of medieval society.

The Roman Empire's legacy continued to shape the medieval world, with many of its laws, institutions, and architectural styles being adopted by the new ruling powers. The Roman Catholic Church also played a crucial role in preserving ancient knowledge and culture.

As the Roman Empire crumbled, trade and commerce declined, leading to a significant decrease in the standard of living for many people. The lack of a strong central authority also led to increased lawlessness and violence.

Despite these challenges, the Antiquity laid the groundwork for the Medieval Period, with its emphasis on learning, art, and architecture. The preservation of ancient texts and knowledge helped to pave the way for the intellectual and cultural advancements of the Middle Ages.

Lisbon's medieval history is a treasure trove of fascinating stories and events. The city's rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its Christian past.

Founded in 1147 by the Portuguese, Lisbon's early history was marked by the Christian Reconquista, a period of time when the Iberian Peninsula was reclaimed from Moorish rule. This had a profound impact on the city's architecture, art, and culture.

Lisbon's medieval Christian history is characterized by its stunning architecture, with many buildings and landmarks still standing today, such as the Lisbon Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Lisboa.

The city's strategic location made it an important hub for trade and commerce, with merchants and travelers passing through its gates, bringing with them new ideas and influences.

A devastating earthquake struck Lisbon on November 1, 1755, causing widespread destruction.

The earthquake was followed by a tsunami and a six-day fire that ravaged the city, leaving behind a trail of devastation.

Central Lisbon was built on gravelly earth, which shifted during the earthquake, causing the city to collapse.

All those great buildings, along with the treasured artworks, books, and official records of the Age of Exploration, were lost in the disaster.

The king, José I, became a nervous wreck after the earthquake and handed over the rebuilding of the city to the Marquis of Pombal.

The Marquis of Pombal was given carte blanche to reconstruct the city, rebuilding downtown Lisbon in a sober, symmetrical gridiron pattern.

This marked a significant departure from the narrow, sinewy Moorish streets of the Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods.

The rebuilding process was a major undertaking that transformed the city's landscape.

The Marquis of Pombal's vision for the city was a testament to his innovative and forward-thinking approach.

He was a towering figure in Portuguese history, and his work continues to shape the city's architecture and layout to this day.

Lisbon's conquest by the Portuguese in 1147 marked the beginning of a new era for the city, with King Afonso I establishing his court 105 miles north-northeast at Coimbra.

The city's walls, built by the Moors, were able to withstand Crusader forces for months before finally falling. The Moorish alcazar was transformed into a Portuguese royal palace.

King Afonso I established his court at Coimbra, and Lisbon didn't become the national capital until 1256. Medieval Lisbon measured 1,443 feet at its widest point and 1,984 feet at its longest.

The University of Lisbon was founded by King Dinis I in 1288, and during his reign, hilltops around the central valley were crowned with convents and churches. This marked a pivotal moment for the Portuguese kingdom, which was only half a dozen years old at that point.

Lisbon was besieged and burned by the Castilians in 1372-73, forcing King Ferdinand I to repudiate his alliance with England. The king swiftly erected new defenses, including a wall over 3 miles long with 77 towers and 38 gates.

The city grew quickly after the conquest, and King Dinis continued the momentum by extending the city walls. A 30m stretch of what he ordered built was discovered during work on the Bank of Portugal in 2010.

The Carmo Church and monastery, built in 1389 on the orders of Nuno Álvares Pereira, is one of the most interesting sites from that period. Its construction began in 1389, and it still retains glorious soaring arches like great stone ribs.

Nuno Álvares Pereira became the richest man in Portugal after the King João I and a great national hero. He led the army when Portugal was fighting for survival against Castile in the 1383-85 war and helped put João on the throne.

The city's port became one of the most vital in the world around the 15th century, leading to the establishment of the Casa da Guiné e Mina to oversee overseas trade.

The Age of Discovery was a pivotal time in Lisbon's history, marked by the city's emergence as a major maritime power.

Lisbon's strategic location on the Atlantic coast made it an ideal hub for explorers and traders.

The city's rich resources, including its port and access to the sea, attracted the attention of European powers.

Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the Age of Discovery, played a crucial role in establishing Lisbon as a major center for maritime exploration.

He founded the School of Navigation in Lisbon, which trained many of the explorers who went on to discover new trade routes and lands.

One of the most significant discoveries made during this time was the route to India, which was established by Vasco da Gama in 1498.

This discovery opened up new trade opportunities for Lisbon and helped establish the city as a major commercial center.

The Age of Discovery also saw the establishment of the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided the world between Portugal and Spain.

This treaty had a profound impact on Lisbon's history, shaping the city's relationships with other European powers and its role in global trade.

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Lisbon's rich history is a treasure trove of fascinating events. The city is one of the oldest in Western Europe, with a timeline that spans over a thousand years.

The Moors, a Muslim people from North Africa, first settled in Lisbon in the 8th century. They brought with them their language, culture, and architecture, which had a lasting impact on the city.

The Christian reconquest of Lisbon in 1147 marked a significant turning point in the city's history. The city was finally free from Moorish rule and began to flourish under Christian leadership.

The Age of Exploration saw Lisbon rise to prominence as a major trading hub. The city's strategic location on the Atlantic coast made it the perfect launchpad for Portuguese explorers.

The devastating earthquake of 1755 left Lisbon in ruins, but it also spurred a major rebuilding effort. The city's iconic Pombaline buildings were constructed as part of this effort, showcasing the city's resilience and determination.

Lisbon's rich history is palpable in its architecture, with landmarks like São Jorge Castle and Belem Tower bearing witness to the passage of time.

The castle's hilltop bastion proudly displays a statue of Dom Alfonso Henriques, the vanquisher of the Moors.

Lisbon's Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1520 to guard the entrance to the capital city's vital port.

São Roque Church's opulent decor, featuring precious stone inlays of lapis lazuli and amethyst, reflects the wealth and power of the Portuguese empire in the 18th century.

As commerce was the true boon to Lisbon's economy, it's fitting that Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Square, is included in the landmarks that "live on" to tell Lisbon's historical tale.

This bustling plaza was once Lisbon's main marketplace, where traders would peddle their goods and commerce thrived.

Lisbon's São Jorge Castle sits atop a hill, boasting a proud statue of Dom Alfonso Henriques, the vanquisher of the Moors. This castle once housed Portuguese royalty and now welcomes restaurant patrons and museum-goers.

The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1520 to guard the entrance to Lisbon's vital port. Its rich history is a testament to the city's importance as a hub of commerce and exploration.

The opulent São Roque Church is a must-see, with its precious stone inlays of lapis lazuli and amethyst bearing witness to the wealth and power of the Portuguese empire in the 18th century.

Lisbon's rich history is etched into its architecture, making it a treasure trove of landmarks that tell its tale.

The hilltop bastion of São Jorge Castle is a must-visit, boasting a proud statue of Dom Alfonso Henriques, the vanquisher of the Moors.

São Jorge Castle's layers of history reveal the capital's tale since its earliest days, with the Romans building their fortification after founding their settlement of Olisipo in 138 BC.

The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1520 to guard the entrance to the capital city's vital port.

The opulent decor of São Roque Church bears witness to the wealth and power of the Portuguese empire at the time, featuring precious stone inlays of lapis lazuli and amethyst.

Praça do Comércio, also known as Commerce Square, was once Lisbon's main marketplace, a bustling gathering space where traders would peddle their goods.

The Aqueduto das Águas Livres is a vast aqueduct that rises above the west of the city, and it's a real showstopper. Its sheer scale is truly impressive.

Started in 1731, this massive project was a passion of João V, and it's a testament to the wealth that Brazilian gold brought to the capital. It's a plain and simple structure, but its grandeur lies in its scale.

The Arco Grande, or Great Arch, is 65 metres high and 28 metres wide, and it's said to be the biggest stone arch of its kind in the world.