History Of Ibiza

Ibiza has long been an important centre of trade and commerce, with roots that stretch as far back as 3,000 years ago. It has endured a multicultural history, as empire after empire as conquered the island for its prime geographical location and salt production capacities. This multiculturalism remains a strong part of Ibiza today and lends itself to the islanders’ tolerant attitude to outsiders.

The Carthaginians

The first people to discover Ibiza were the Carthaginians in 654 BC, making it one of the earliest establishments in Europe. They named the settlement Ibossim and set it up as an important trading centre for their empire. The town stood on the same site as today’s Ibiza Town, which boasted (and still does boast) a large deep harbor and strong walls around the city. The Carthaginians were renowned merchants and traders. The most important commodity to come from Ibiza was salt, known as ‘white gold’ in those days. They constructed the Salinas, which are still in use today, to extract salt from the sea water by a process of natural evaporation.

Ibiza was also important to the Carthaginians as a burial ground. They considered the island an ideal place to bury their dead, because there were no wild animals which would dig them up. The multitude of graves has produced a bounty of Punic artifacts, which can be seen in the museums in Ibiza City.

Ibiza changed hands in 123 BC, when the Romans decided that Carthage must be destroyed. During these Punic Wars, the Romans conquered the Balearic Islands, but allowed them to remain independent confederate towns.

The Arab occupation

Between the 5th and 9th centuries AD, during the Dark Ages, the island experienced a period of turmoil as it was continuously invaded and conquered by Vandals, Barbarians and finally the Byzantines. The latter group allowed Ibiza more independence and helped build irrigation canals and establish a communal farming system.

The Arabs came next, around the 9th century AD, and stayed for nearly 500 years. During their reign, Ibiza experienced a period of economic growth based on the salt fields, fishing and agriculture. The Arabic influence can still be seen today in many of the town’s architecture and traditions.

The Catalans

In 1235, Ibiza was conquered by the Catalans. At the time, Ibiza City was considered impenetrable due to its fortified walls and geographical location. When the ruling Arab Sheik and his brother fought over one of the Sheik’s harem mistresses, the brother revealed a secret underground passage to the Catalans that led into the town. This tunnel can still be seen today in the Calle de San Ciriaco. The Catalans destroyed the Arab mosque and built the Cathedral that stands today over its foundations.

The ruling Catalans from Spain neglected the island over the following centuries, allowing pirates to thrive in the area. To defend themselves from the plundering pirates, the locals built defensive churches with massive walls and coastal watch towers as an early warning system.

Modern times

Today, Ibiza is not much different from the island of the past. Its multicultural community still endures yearly invasions of holidaymakers from the mainland with an attitude of acceptance and friendliness. It is this tolerance which has allowed the islanders to survive and thrive for hundreds of years.

Ibiza travel products:
Ibiza airport hotels	Ibiza airport lounges
Ibiza airport parking	Car hire Ibiza
Cheap flights to Ibiza	Ibiza hotels
Ibiza travel insurance