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MENORCA HISTORY

One of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is renowned for a collection of megalithic monuments that provide a glimpse into the island’s early prehistoric human activity. During antiquity, Greek Minoans from ancient Crete and Carthaginians from North Africa influenced the culture on the island as reflected by architectural ruins. The name of Menorca’s capital city Mahon is attributed to Hannibal’s brother Mago, a Carthaginian general. Once subjected to frequent invasions because of its strategic position in the western Mediterranean, the island sits astride important trade routes.

After the end of the Punic Wars, pirates used Menorca as a base to raid Roman commercial vessels sailing between the Italian and Iberian peninsulas. To counteract this dangerous situation, Rome invaded the island. By 121 B.C., Menorca became a Roman province. The island’s name, which means smaller island, is a Latin term dating from this particular conquest. Just after the turn of the millennia, Emperor Augustus reorganized the Roman provincial system. In addition to the island becoming part of the Tarraconensis royal province, the historic town of Mago was transformed into a Roman city, eliminating its Carthaginian influences.

After the fall of Rome, the Vandals occupied Menorca until they were driven away by forces of the Byzantine Empire. The island experienced a Viking incursion around 859 A.D. The Moors invaded almost 50 years later, and the island remained an Islamic state for more than 380 years until Alfonso III reconquered the island Jan. 17, 1287. This date is observed as Menorca’s national day. It would be a vassal state of the Kingdom of Aragon until being absorbed under the unified Spanish crown. Future monarchs attempted to solidify allegiance by using the King of Menorca as a secondary title. Ottoman Turks would attack the island in the 16th century. The invaders sacked the capital of Ciutadella and established settlements on the island.

During the 18th century, Menorca served under several flags as European powers engaged in various wars. The French initially occupied the island. After invading the island in 1708, the British would lose and regain control as the result of several treaties, including the treaties of Utrecht and Paris. France also controlled the island for various periods. Spain finally reclaimed the island in 1802. Unlike the other Balearic Islands, Menorca remained loyal to the Republican government instead of backing the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War. After an invasion and victory by Nationalist forces, the British Navy played a role in a peaceful transfer of power.

The island features Roman and Muslim ruins along with Paleo-christian church structures. British culture is reflected in architectural details like sash windows. Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination because of its fascinating history and cosmopolitan culture.

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