Roman Occupation of Spain Started in 206 BC

The Roman invasion of Spain in 206 BC was a key moment in the history of the Iberian Peninsula. At that time, Spain was not a unified country but was made up of different tribes and regions.

The Great Roman Aqueduct

The Romans, who were expanding their empire throughout Europe, had already conquered much of the Mediterranean area. They decided to invade Spain because it was strategically important for controlling trade routes and expanding their power. The invasion began after the Romans defeated the Carthaginians, who had been controlling parts of Spain, in the Second Punic War. The Romans saw an opportunity to take over the land and make it part of their empire.

The Roman general Scipio Africanus led the invasion, and he faced resistance from local tribes who did not want to be ruled by the Romans. However, the Romans were very strong and well-organized. They had advanced military tactics and were able to defeat the Carthaginians and their allies, who had been in Spain for many years.

After the defeat of the Carthaginians, the Romans started to build their control over the region. They created Roman provinces in Spain, starting with Hispania Citerior (near the coast) and Hispania Ulterior (further inland). The Romans built roads, forts, and cities, and they introduced their language, culture, and way of life to the Spanish people.

Over the next few centuries, the Romans would gradually take full control of Spain. Although the Roman occupation wasn’t without challenges, as many tribes continued to resist, it eventually led to Spain becoming an important part of the Roman Empire.

Roman rule brought changes to Spain, such as new laws, Roman architecture, and the spread of Roman culture and language. Latin, the language of the Romans, became the basis for modern Spanish. The Roman invasion of Spain in 206 BC marked the beginning of a long period of Roman influence that would shape the history and culture of Spain for centuries to come.