History

History

Most important facts of the history

  • Traces evidence the settlement of the Algarve by the Homo Erectus in the Paleolithic.
  • Around 40,000 – 30,000 years a. Chr. n. – Settlement by the Neanderthals. Traces have been found in Vilas Ruivas and at the Rio Arade in the beginning of 2016 on the occasion of construction works north of Portimão.
  • From around 5,000 years a. Chr. n. – Agriculture is evidenced. This is approximately also the time of origin of the numerous megaliths in the county of Vila do Bispo.
  • Approximately 4000 – 3000 years a. Chr. n. – The Iberians immigrate and bring with them the art of metal processing. The exact origin of the Iberians is disputed and opinions among experts vary between Northwest Europe, North Africa and eastern Mediterranean region. 
  • Around 3000 years a. Chr. n. – Settlement in Alcalar (approximately 15 km north of Portimão) on an area of about 10 ha. In the megalith sepulchres rests of 170 dead bodies could be evidenced. Also the coast line has already been settled at this time.  
  • Around 900 years a. Chr. n. – The Celts immigrate and merge together with the Iberians to Celtiberians.
  • Around 800 years a. Chr. n. – The Phoenicians construct harbours on the coast.
  • Approximately 550 years a. Chr. n. – The Carthaginians establish Portimão.
  • From around 200 years a. Chr. n. – The Romans settle large parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The Algarve is at that time part of the province Lusitania.
  • From around 400 until 700 years p. Chr. n. – Suebi, the Alans, Visigoths and Vandals reach the Algarve in the course of mass migration.
  • 711 until 1249 years p. Chr. n. – The Algarve is reigned by the Moors.
  • 1319 until 1354 – The Order of the Knights of Christ (descendants of the Knights Templar) makes Castro Marim its headquarter.
  • 1386 – Portugal and England conclude a friendship treaty that is valid up to date.
  • 1415 – Portuguese troops conquer the trading town Ceuta in Marocco.
  • 1419 – Henry becomes governor of the Algarve.
  • 15th century – Under the leadership of Henry the Navigator Portuguese discoverers find the seaway along Africa to India. In spite of his name, Henry is not supposed to have ever left the mainland.
  • 1500 – Alvares Cabral discovers Brazil.
  • 1513 – Portuguese ships reach China.
  • 1543 – With its arrival at Japan, Portugal is said to be the mightiest nation of the Occident.
  • 1580 – The young King Sebastião dies in the course of battles in Marocco. Spain takes over the Portuguese crown.
  • 1640 – Portugal frees itself from the Spanish dominion.
  • 1703 – The methuen treaty regulating the trade of wine and textile is concluded with England.
  • 1755 – The big earthquake destroys many towns, villages and historic legacies and it changes the coast line. 
  • 1910 – Revolution in Portugal. The republic is proclaimed und King Manuel II must resign.
  • 1926 – Oliveira Salazar organizes a coup to seize power and establishes a dictatorship.
  • 1940 – Portugal joins the Nato.
  • 1974 – The Carnation Revolution terminates the dictatorship in Portugal.
  • 1975 – Free elections take place in Portugal for the first time.
  • 1986 – Portugal joins the EU.
  • 1999 – Macao is given back to China and thus, the 500 years of eventful colonial history finally find an end.