Prehistory and pre-Roman people

Archaeological research at Atapuerca indicates the Iberian Peninsula was peopled many ago. Modern humans began arriving in the Iberian Peninsula through the Pyrenees. The best known artifacts of these prehistoric human settlements are the famous paintings in the Altamira cave of Cantabria in northern Spain.

Archaeological and genetic evidence strongly suggests that the Iberian Peninsula acted as one of three major refugia from which northern Europe was vastly repopulated following the end of the last ice age.

The two main historical peoples of the peninsula were the Iberians and the Celts, the former inhabiting the Mediterranean side from the northeast side to the southwest, the latter inhabiting the Atlantic side, in the north and northwest part of the peninsula. In the most inner part of the peninsula, where both groups were in contact, a mixed, distinctive culture, known as Celtiberian, was present.

In addition, Basques occupied the western area of the Pyrenees. Other ethnic groups existed along the southern coastal areas of Andalusia. Among these southern groups there grew the earliest urban culture in the Iberian Peninsula, that of the semi-mythical southern city of Tartessos (pre-1100 BC) near the location of Cádiz. The flourishing trade in gold and silver between the people of Tartessos and Phoenicians and Greeks is documented in the history of Strabo and in the biblical book of king Solomon.

Between 500 BC and 300 BC, the seafaring Phoenicians and Greeks founded trading colonies all along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Carthaginians took control of much of the Mediterranean coast in the course of the Punic Wars, until they were eventually replaced by the Romans.

Roman Empire and the Germanic Kingdoms: During the Second Punic War, an expanding Roman Empire captured the Carthaginian trading colonies along the Mediterranean coast from roughly 210 BC to 205 BC, leading to Roman control of almost the entire Iberian Peninsula; this lasted over 500 years, and they were bound together by law, language, and the Roman roads.

The base Celt and Iberian population remained, and local leaders were admitted into the Roman aristocratic class. Hispania served as a granary for the Roman market, and its harbours were used to export gold, wool, olive oil, and wine.

Some facts about Majorca

The largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca has been one of the most popular holiday destinations for British tourists for almost 50 years. It was initially an upmarket destination that attracted celebrities and royalty before the days of package holidays. Majorca is a stunning island that combines an excellent all-year round temperatures and climate, along with superb scenery, excellent shopping and nightlife, offering superb value for money.

There are also plenty of historic buildings and attractions for all the family, including water parks and amusement parks. Majorca is the rounded destination, offering something for everyone.

Majorca is less than two hours from the UK by airplane, with flights from major UK airports. Once on the island, there is a huge choice of places to stay and things to do. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular destinations to visit and live in.

There are cheap deals on flights and hotels in Majorca throughout the year, and with so many different attractions, Majorca is an excellent choice, whether you are travelling to Palma for a city break or looking to live there.

Some facts

Area: 504,782 sq km
Island population: 40.2 million
Local anguage: Spanish
Currency: Euro