Cartagena History, Spain

Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Cartagena serves as the southeast naval station of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia. The city being the center of the Spanish Navy’s Maritime Department of the Mediterranean. Since the 16th century, this city has a significant function in the naval industry of Spain. Could its foundation be as majestic as that of Bogota History?

Cartagena History – Carthaginian Occupation

The name of the city of Cartagena derived from the name of its founders – the Carthaginians – who discovered it in 227 BC. Back then, the city was known as Cartago Nova – meaning New Carthage. Because of the city’s location, it developed into a chief port of trading and quickly rose up to become one of the richest cities during ancient times.

The second Punic War, which broke in 218 BC and lasted for 17 years, was responsible for the fame Cartagena experienced. Hannibal and his men landed in Cartagena with the objective of overpowering the Romans. Unfortunately, Hannibal was not successful and was eventually defeated. His loss led to the expulsion of the Carthaginians from the city.

Cartagena History – Roman Moorish Occupations

When the Carthaginians left the city, the Romans took over the governance in Cartagena. They constructed many expansions in the city, which included building roads, bridges, and aqueducts. The early reign of the Romans brought some instability to Cartagena but after a few centuries, the Roman occupation had given the city peace and affluence.

After the incapacity of the Roman authority, the Visigoths ruled over Cartagena until 711. The Moors took control of the city after the Visigoths. During the occupation of the Moors, Cartagena’s status decreased and the capital was moved to Murcia. However, the modernization of the city continued.

Cartagena History – Spanish Independence

The independence of the city from the Moors came in the 11th century when the Caliphate was overthrown by the native Spanish. After that, the people created a kingdom which included the provinces of Alicante and Almeria.

In 1243, Alfonso X of Castilla and Leon led his army to fight Cartagena and its territories. He was successful with this undertaking and governed the city and nearby provinces. Although Cartagena did not become the capital of the kingdom, it still remained to be a significant location as being Spain’s main naval headquarters. Cartagena also continued to be the capital trading port of Spain up until the 20th century. It gained competition from cities like Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga, which led to a slight decline in trading.

At present, Cartagena is still a city significant to Spain through its seaport function. With industrial expansion, the city continues to be an appealing tourist destination. Due credit should be given to Cartagena History since it made the city flourish and at least be at par with the events in Cucuta History.

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• La Mar de Musicas Festival
  review by Murciaturistic posted more then 30 days ago
  Culture, leisure and festivals...this is what Region of Murcia offers you during this summer season. When you are here you have the chance to enjoy the benefits of two seas, the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor of Murcia (salted lagoon), in which you can enjoy in July a huge variety of Sun &...
• Cartagena worth a visit
  review by Wazling posted more then 30 days ago
  Cartagena is one of the biggest cities of the region Murcia. The city doesnt offer you much you can do there. But there are some places worth a look. The city walls are still preserved and you can visit the fortifications and two forts „Las Galeras“ und „San Julian“...

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