Spanish History

Spain has a long and rich history spanning back to the Middle Ages. For much of its history, Spain was a leading European power, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries. Spain’s golden age came to an end in the early 18th century, but the country remained an important player on the European stage throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Spain’s history has been shaped by a number of factors, including its geography, which has made the country a crossroads for a variety of cultures.

Spain’s earliest inhabitants were the Iberians, a Celtic people who arrived in the peninsula around 1000 BCE. The Iberians were soon followed by the Celts, who entered Spain from present-day France. The Celts brought with them their own language and culture, and the two groups quickly merged. Celtic culture would come to dominate Spain during the height of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Empire began its conquest of Spain in 218 BCE, and by 19 BCE the entire peninsula was under Roman rule. For the next 600 years, Spain was a province of the Roman Empire. During this time, Spain saw a number of Roman emperors come and go, including Augustus, Tiberius, and Hadrian. Christianity also began to take hold in Spain during the Roman period, and by the time the empire fell, Spain was a largely Christian country.

The fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century ushered in a new period in Spanish history. The Visigoths, a Germanic people, took control of the peninsula and ruled for the next 200 years. The Visigoths were themselves overthrown by the Arabs in the 8th century. The Arabs, who were Muslims, introduced Islam to Spain. For the next several centuries, Muslim and Christian rulers fought for control of the country. This period of Islamic rule is known as the Golden Age of Spain, during which a number of great Muslim scholars and artists flourished.

In the late 15th century, Spain underwent a dramatic transformation. The country was unified under the rule of the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. The Inquisition was established in an effort to root out heresy, and in 1492, the Muslims were expelled from Spain. The same year, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in search of a new route to Asia. Instead, he landed in the Americas, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization.

In the 16th century, Spain became a leading European power. The Spanish Empire reached its height under the rule of the Bourbon monarchs, who ruled from the early 18th century until the early 19th century. The Bourbons ushered in a period of reform and modernization, but they also presided over a number ofmilitary defeats, which cost Spain its empire. By the early 20th century, Spain had lost most of its overseas possessions.

Spain remained neutral during World War I, but it was drawn into World War II on the side of the Allies. The country was occupied by Nazi Germany in the early years of the war, but it was liberated by Allied forces in 1944. After the war, Spain became a democracy, but it was soon engulfed in a civil war that lasted from 1936 to 1939. The war was won by the Nationalist forces, led by General Francisco Franco.

Franco ruled Spain as a dictator from 1939 until his death in 1975. His regime was characterized by its repression of political and cultural dissent. In the late 1970s, Spain underwent a process of democratization, and in 1986, it became a member of the European Union. Since then, Spain has continued to modernize, and it has become an increasingly important player on the global stage..Visit the site

How to make a heartier, winter-style Capriccio Sangria

When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delight than cozying up with a big bowl of winter Sangria. Packed with seasonal fruits and spices, this festive drink is sure to warm you up from the inside out. And what’s even better? It gets even better as it sits, so feel free to make a big batch to share (or not!).

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own winter Sangria:

Red wine: A fruity, full-bodied red wine is the perfect base for winter Sangria. Try a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Shiraz.

Fruit: For a festive twist, add some seasonal fruits to your Sangria. Think pomegranate seeds, cranberries, sliced oranges, and apples.

Spices: A touch of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg will really make your Sangria sing.

Sweetener: A little bit of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar will help balance out the tartness of the fruit.

Optional extras: A splash of brandy or orange liqueur will give your Sangria an extra kick.

To make your Sangria, simply combine all of the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour (or overnight, if you can) so the flavors have a chance to meld. Serve over ice, and enjoy!

Visit howtomakesangria.net to learn more about capriccio sangria. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.