The Historic Past of The Algarve Region BC

A Look Back In Time at the History of The Algarve BC

Living or thinking of living in the Algarve? Then we should know something about the history of this wonderful place.

The Algarve and Portugal are steeped in history with the oldest human fossils found in the country dating back 400,000 years ago. Here we look at the history of the Algarve in the years before Anno Domini, click here to read about the history of the Algarve in the years after AD

Stone Age – Palaeolithic period

If some of the shallow graves found in the Algarve are to be trusted, they may date back to the Palaeolithic period or the old stone age when Europe and Africa were joined together. This would be at least 10,000 years ago.

A large number of menhirs or upright stones, some standing alone, some in groups are one of the most important pointers of the old stone age past and have been found in the Raposeira in Vila do Bispo and Alcoutim areas of the Algarve.

New Stone Age – Neolithic period 

It is a known fact that a human presence could be found in the southwestern Algarve as far back as the Neolithic period or the new stone age. When humans first began to build settlements, started farming and designed more advanced tools for both work and war. This would be some 6,000 years ago.  

The First Settlers Pre-Roman Times 12th Century BC

There is quite an intriguing story or myth relating to the first settlers, the Tartessos, so intriguing it really warrants an article of its own. Read more about the Tartessos in the Algarve and the Lost City of Atlantis!

Pre-Roman The Conii Tribe 11th Century BC

The Conii or Cynetes, were a pre-Roman civilization who were influenced by the previous dwellers the Tartessos, it is known that they were established by the sixth century BC in the region of the Algarve. They would be strongly influenced by the Celtici tribe who had settled further north in the Alentejo. 

Friendly Allies of King Solomon 10th Century BC

The Phoenicians came in their ships from the country we now know as Lebanon under the rule of King Solomon. They arrived as friendly people trading with locals and searching for metals. They were the first to establish trading ports along the Algarve coast circa 1000 BC.

Such was the success of the Phoenicians in their trading and shipping exploits that their empire stretched as far as Devon & Cornwall in the UK as far as Gibraltar and across to North Africa. 

The Carthaginians 7th Century BC

A new city arose called Carthage, now Tunisia, that over the years became so powerful they formed a new colony The Carthaginians who eventually overturned the rule of the Phoenicians.

The Carthaginians controlled the Algarve coast from 700 BC and founded Portus Hanibalis known today as Portimão around 550 BC. 

The Romans 2nd Century BC

By the 2nd century BC, the Roman armies spread through the Iberian Peninsula defeating the Carthaginians.

Building roads and cities along the coast, many of the Roman ruins from this time can still be seen in the region, notably in Vilamoura, Lagos and near Faro.

If you are thinking of moving to this historical place and are looking for property for sale in the Algarve why not contact us here at Gatehouse International Algarve?