On the territory of Portugal, traces of human activity dating back to the Paleolithic Age were found. Ceramic products, stone tools in a large number were found by archaeologists. After the 1st millennium BC. when the active movement of peoples in this region began, the life in it was influenced by Andalusians, Carthaginians and Celts. The Roman period was filled with barbarian wars and raids on the lands of present-day Portugal. At 8, the Muslim period began, also dramatic and brutal.

The Middle Ages

As a state, Portugal has existed since 1143, and since the 13th century practically in the same borders, which is quite unusual for Europe .The life of this country has always been associated with the sea, the Portuguese have provided means of subsistence for merchant shipping and fishing .The interest of her monarchs in research and technology led to great geographical discoveries and Portuguese expansion: in 1500 Pedro Alvares Cabral opened Brazil, whose ruler declared himself .João da Nova and Trishtan da Cunha became pioneers of the islands .Trade relations developed, Portugal's power grew .

In 1640, Portugal finally regained its independence from Spain, on its throne Juan IV ascended. The flowering of the country began, which, as usual, gradually went into decline. It was initiated by the destruction of Lisbon in the terrible earthquake of 1755, while the Napoleonic wars and the loss of the Brazilian colony completed the affair.

Our days

In 1910 the monarchy was deposed, a rather chaotic period in the life of the country began .The military coup of 1926 put an end to this, in Portugal, for almost half a century, a fascist dictatorship was established .In 1974 there was a new coup initiated by the left wing, intensive democratic changes began in all spheres of the country's life .They led to the fact that in 1986 Portugal joined the European Union .The end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century was marked for the country by liberal reforms of education, political and military systems, foreign policy .Today, Portugal is a full member of the UN, GATT, IMF, WHO, NATO, the EU and the most interesting tourist region, which, despite the dramatic history, its identity, its attractions, its culture .

The history of Portugal in her monasteries ...

... amazing architecture

and here are such highlights