
Algarve History
The Algarve region of Portugal is incredibly ancient and dates back thousands of years to the BC period. Evidence of the presence of humankind in southern Portugal has been traced back to the Neolithic Era, when Africa and Europe were one congruous land. Near the 6th century BC, the Conii people, a pre-Roman race of the Iberian Peninsula, had established roots in the Algarve region. Around 1000 BC, the region featured trading ports set up by the early Phoenicians. Present day Portomão, once called Portus Hanibalis, was founded in the range of 500 BC by the Carthaginians. The largely spread Roman ruins like Roman bathhouses throughout Algarve, especially in the old town of Lagos, date back to the 2nd century BC. The Moorish invasion of Algarve did not come until the year 711. At this time, the area was called Al-Gharb, which is Arabic for the term The West. During the Moorish reign, the city of Silves was considered the capital of the Algarve region. The Kingdom of Portugal could overtake the Moors in the 12th century, allowing for Al-Gharb to become the Kingdom of Algarve. The 13th century brought the reign of King Alfonso III of Portugal, succeeded by King Alfonso V of Portugal in 1471. Before Brazil became independent, the area was referred to as the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves; this title was held from 1815 to 1822 and continued until the Portuguese Republic was formed in 1910. The history of Algarve is very pivotal in the history of Portugal. Car hire Algarve Faro Airport is a great way to travel across the Algarve and surrounding regions in seek of many historical sites. The ancient history of Portugal is scattered all over the Algarve region and hiring a car is the best way to explore the region on your own.Algarve History