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Palma De Mallorca History, Spain

Palma, a port city located at the southern part of Mallorca, is the capital city of the Balearic Islands, off the east coast of Spain. Long before its recognition as a prime tourist attraction, archaeological evidences prove that there has been a flourishing civilization in the island even before Talaiotic period began in 1000 BC. This contributed to Palma de Mallorca History whose attractions are as stunning as Barcelona Sights.

Palma de Mallorca History - Under the Romans

In 123 BC, the Romans occupied the island and established two colonies—Pollentia in the northeast and Palma in the south. The Romans constructed roads and towns and introduced Christianity.

Palma de Mallorca History - Until the early 10th Century

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the island had its ups and downs. In 425 AD, Pollentia was destroyed by the Vandal Kingdom. In 535 AD, the island fell to the Byzantine Empire. From 689 to 902 AD, although the island was administratively sovereign, the island was constantly attacked by the Christians and Muslims. In 903 AD, the island was finally conquered by the Muslims. At the start of the 10th century, the Muslims were driven out of Mallorca and the island was annexed to the Emirate of Cordoba. Despite the topsy-turvy turn of events, the island’s trading relations within the Mediterranean and Africa thrived thus making Palma de Mallorca History remembered through ages.

Palma de Mallorca History - The Christian Conquest until the 15th Century

Infuriated by the Emir of Mallorca by stealing his ships, at the same time attracted by Mallorca’s trading success, King Jaume I of Aragon and Catalunya decided to attack the island. They successfully conquered it in 1229, and then established an independent Kingdom of Mallorca. For a period of time, Mallorca went through a period of great growth and prosperity. Until Pedro IV, the jealous son of King Jaume I, obtained the island for himself.

Under Pedro IV, key changes occurred in the culture of Mallorca. Catalan became the spoken language in the island. The decline in agriculture led to the increase in manufacturing especially in the Manacor area.

Palma de Mallorca History - From the 16th to 19th Centuries

The neglect of the Aragonese court and the ban on trade with America led to the economic decline of Mallorca. The 16th century and 17th passed by like a nightmare with uprisings from the population against the nobles, persecution of the Jews by the Spanish Inquisitors, fear from attacks from the Turks, and death from a terrible plague.

Spanish rule began in the 18th century, changing the official language to Castillian. With the opening of the shipping trade to the Indies, communication with the Spanish mainland, agricultural development and a new railway, Catalan culture was revitalized. But this did not stop many residents from immigrating to America.

With the popularity of tourism in the 1950s, Mallorca stood back up to its feet. Millions of people gather to its beaches year in, year out. The only challenge left is to preserve what’s left of their natural wonders. It had its own set of victories and falls like that of Madrid History.

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