The history of Mallorca goes back a long way and is marked by different civilisations that have settled the island over the centuries. Here is an overview of the most important events and phases in Mallorca's history:
Antiquity: the beginnings of the settlement of Mallorca date back to the 2nd millennium BC, when the Talayotic culture inhabited the island. Later, the island was conquered and controlled by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. Under Roman rule, Mallorca experienced a period of prosperity and development, as archaeological remains show.
Middle Ages: In the 5th century AD, the Vandals conquered Mallorca, but were driven out shortly afterwards by the Byzantines. In 902, the Moors conquered the island and ruled it for more than 300 years. During the Moorish rule, Mallorca experienced a period of cultural and economic prosperity, especially under the Banu Ganiya dynasty.
In 1229, the King of Aragon, Jaume I, conquered the island from the Moors and integrated it into the Kingdom of Aragon. Mallorca became an important trading centre in the Mediterranean and was a strategic base during the Reconquista, the lengthy process of reconquering the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors.
Modern times: In the 18th century, Mallorca was occupied by the troops of the French king Napoleon. After the end of the Napoleonic era, Mallorca became part of the Kingdom of Spain and experienced economic and political turmoil in the 19th century.
In the 20th century, Mallorca became a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Especially after the construction of Palma de Mallorca Airport in 1960, the tourism sector grew rapidly and became the island's main source of income. Today, Mallorca is one of the best-known holiday islands in the Mediterranean.
It is worth noting that Mallorca also has a cultural and literary tradition, expressed in the works of authors such as Ramon Llull, Miquel Costa i Llobera and Gabriel Alomar. The island is also known for its unique architecture, including the Gothic cathedral La Seu in Palma.
Mallorca's history is thus rich with different influences and has made the island what it is today - a place with a fascinating mix of culture, history and natural beauty.
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