Spain

Spain's history is rich and diverse, spanning thousands of years. It begins with the Iberians and Celts, followed by colonization by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians. The Roman Empire then established Hispania as an important province. After the fall of Rome, the Visigoths took control until the Moors invaded in 711, ushering in a period of Islamic rule that profoundly influenced Spanish culture and architecture. The Christian Reconquista, completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada, led to the unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella. This era also marked the beginning of Spanish exploration and colonization of the Americas, establishing Spain as a dominant global empire. In the 20th century, Spain experienced a civil war, leading to Franco's dictatorship, which lasted until his death in 1975. Since then, Spain has transitioned to a democratic constitutional monarchy and is a member of the European Union.