History Of Formentera

The tiny island of Formentera has been inhabited for over 4,000 years. Throughout the course of its history it has been occupied by the Greeks, who settled here in 8 BC, it was then briefly conquered by the Carthaginians, who were defeated by the Romans in 2 BC. The Byzantines, Godos and Normans also claimed victories over the island throughout its history. In 1235, the Christians conquered the island and it come under the rule of James I, King of Aragorn.

A complete written history does not exist on Formentera. There are studies, though, that have been completed during certain periods, although there are a few gaps in them. 

First millennium

Recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the very first settlements. One of the difficulties in documenting the island’s history is that for many periods, the island remained very much uninhabited. The Greeks may have been the first people to conquer the island, but no one really settled here until the Carthaginians in the 6th century BC.

During the late Roman period, the people of Formentera were influenced by many different cultures. These included the Visigoths, Byzantines and the Vandals. There are records of a Vandal monastery, a Byzantine church and numerous Roman fortresses all being erected within a very short timeframe.

Arab rule

Following on from the Romans, the Arabs conquered Formentera in the 10th century AD and held onto the island until the 13th century. Many remains were left behind in this period such as waterwheels, wells, cemeteries and gravestones, so historians have managed to detail life during this period. Pirates were a continuous threat to the island during this period and throughout the course of the island’s history due to its strategic location.

In 1235, James I conquered the island, which marked the beginning of the Catalan presence which was to last until the 15th century, when the population of the island was virtually reduced to nothing. This is thought to be due to a number of issues. Firstly, Catalonia was suffering from severe economic and social crisis, which led to many deaths. Also, the continuing attacks on the island by pirates were having an increasingly damaging effect on the people, leaving many destitute and vulnerable to disease.

From the middle of the 15th century until the beginning of the 18th century, Formentera was uninhabited, with exception of the watchmen placed to warn Ibiza of any imminent attacks from pirates.

Napoleon invades

In 1726, the first stable settlement was founded. The modern history began from here onwards. In 1808, Napoleon began his invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. The French army was the strongest in Europe and in 1813, they began their attack on Formentera. Over 40 French soldiers arrived on the island and were miraculously defeated by  the watch-guards of the Pi des Catalá Tower. This was the only attack of its kind on Formentera during Napoleon’s reign.

Throughout the 19th century, the island saw a slight increase in its population. The majority of inhabitants worked hard in agriculture, fishing or the extraction of salt. It was a very hard life and each generation wanted better for the next. Many children had to leave the island to prosper, sending money home. The most common destinations included Latin America, Cuba and Argentina.

Civil War

A period of democracy began in 1913, but this only lasted until 1936, when the Spanish Civil War began. Formentera was caught up in this war, which lasted until 1939 and resulted in the island coming under the dictatorship of General Franco.

Today, Formentera is thriving and very prosperous. It is a popular destination among those looking to escape everyday life, but it has not become over-commercialised like many other islands.