The origen of ancient Roman Hispalis is dark and uncertain. It appears it
should have been a Tartesus population called Ispal
founded in the 8th century B.C. over a small elevated area of land at
the banks of the Guadalquivir river. Around 500 B.C. their civilization
was destroyed by the Carthagians who established commercial ties with
the Greeks and Phoenicians. After the Punic Wars durign the period of
Roman domination, Hispalis was an important trade center and
capital of Roman Spain. In the 3rd century the young potters Justa
and Rufina were martyred and later proclaimed patron saints of the city.
In the era of the Visigoths the city was involved in more than a century
of civil strifes between Christians and Aryans. The personages of San Leandro
and San Isidoro both were well-known bishops. In 712 the city was
conquered by the Arabs who named the city Isbiliya where its
present name is derived from. During the Caliph period Cordoba
became one of the most important cities in Al-Andalus. In this era
Seville experimented a great zenith in science, arts and trade.
Also the Almoravides reigned in the 11th century where they beautified
and organized large enterprises in the city.
November 23, 1248 after a long siege, the city fell in the hands of
Ferdinand III of Castile, converting it into the seat of the courts.
The arms and seal of Seville represent the King Saint Ferdinand
presiding a tribunal, with a sword lifted in the right hand and in
the left a globe of the world between San Leandro and San Isidoro.
The discovery of America brought splendor to Seville, because of its
river and port. In 1503 the "Casa de Contratación"
with exclusive rights and power with anything regarding American trade.
It was then converted into one of the most important Western cities.
The 17th century marked the fall of the city after passing the
monopoly on to Cadiz.
Already in the 20th century with the Ibero American Exposition of
1929 and the Universal Exposition of 1992, Seville has recuperated
a great part of its ancient glory, making it a modern city
without borders.
|
Who are we?
Colaborate
Recruitment
News
Contacts
