Local information for San Antonio Bay |
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The history of Ibiza and Formentera has only
really become clearer over the last decade.
Extensive archaeological digs have discovered
a history long before we could have ever imagined.
Previous to these recent discoveries, it was
thought that Ibiza´s history only went back
as far as 650 B.C. when the Carthaginians first
came to the island. |
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| However the recent discovery of a grave in Formentera
proves that the islands had inhabitants as far
back as 3000 B.C. Since then many different nations
have come to the islands, from the Carthaginians
in 650 B.C. to the all conquering Romans. The
island was seen as a strong-hold and extremely
difficult to conquer due to its small size. The
enemy could be seen from a distance and after
the construction of the high walls of Ibiza town,
this part of the island was deemed as unconquerable. |
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| The people who have left by far their greatest
mark on the island are the Arabs. They arrived
in 9th century and stayed for the best part of
500 years. Their influence is still felt today
in the construction of houses, the traditional
costumes and the island´s dialect “Ibicenco”.
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| Ibiza remained in relative peace for a long
period under Arab rule until the arrival of the
Catalans in 1235. Legend has it that the strongly
fortified citadel (previously seen as unconquerable)
was only eventually captured through treachery.
The ruling Sheik and his brother quarreled over
a mistress in the harem and the brother revealed
the secret underground passageway leading inside
the city. |
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| Ibiza has however seen more growth in the last
thirty years since the arrival of the latest group
to conquer the island – the package holiday maker.
Originally drawn to the natural beauty of the
island, the locals were quick to embrace their
new “conqueror” and the rest as they say is history!
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