Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Forbfruit

Ibiza and trading

Strategically positioned between mainland Spain and Africa, the island was a highly sought after colony and trading post. Due to this it has had a turbulent past and many different leaderships. Often visited by the ancient Greeks, and ran by both the Carthaginians and the Romans. The Carthaginians founded Ibiza town, which became an important port. They also built the Salinas, which was very important for the production of the islands most valuable asset; White Gold i.e. salt.

The Romans come to Ibiza!

123BC saw the arrival of the Romans. They used the island primarily for wood and soldiers, and also learned about growing grapes and olives. Naturally they also constructed lots of roads, bridges and indeed cities, such as Alcudia. The 4th and 5th centuries saw the Vandals and the Byzantines, when the first basilicas were established. After then came the Vikings and the Moors, who were quickly displaced in 707 by the Arabs who reigned supreme for the next 5 centuries. During the Christian domination, the Muslims were driven out by the Catalans. In the 1400s, due to the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, the island officially belonged to the Kingdom of Spain. There was a lot of pirate activity around this time, particularly around these islands.

The hippies come to Ibiza!

However more recently, was the invasion of the hippies in the 1960’s. Upon seeking and indeed finding this hedonistic paradise, and a culture unchanged for thousands of years, they began the traveller/tourist trend that now almost engulfs the islands past. However as with all the invasions the people of Ibiza have suffered, they vehemently hang on to their traditions. There are plenty of rural towns which remain largely untouched, and many towns have joined the ’Agroturismo’ scheme, which promotes a locally sustainable holiday experience. This is naturally a good idea, which will hopefully stop larger corporations taking over the island. That is an invasion definitely to be avoided and probably, under the surface as always, one of the biggest threats.

Ibiza – a lot more than Nightclubs and bars

As you can see Ibiza is not the new nightclub capital of the West, it is a deeply cultured and historic place, of distinct and acute beauty. It is paramount for the island to retain its culture, so if you visit it would do the place justice at least be aware.

Daryl always stays in ibiza villas and has even been known to stay in a few apartments in tenerife in his youth.

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Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

The history of the oldest buildings dates back to 7th century BC, to the reign of the first Etruscan king. But first important buildings connected with political, religious and civic life began to appear here during the reign of Claire Caesar. In addition to patrician houses here were built shops, temples, basilicas and markets. The most commonly used building material was marble, gilt metal and cut stones. Construction boom stopped in the early 2nd century AD. The reason was simple – there was no empty space here any more.

Foro Romano began to lose importance with the fall of the Roman Empire. The buildings then began to decay. Advanced and splendid city turned relatively quickly into ruins. A large fire even help it in the 3rd century. Following several earthquakes and barbarous conquerors destroyed almost the whole area. Marble stones were dismantled and used to build local houses or shipped to other parts of Italy, to build churches and palaces. Finally Foro Romano became untidy overgrown space again.

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In the 18th century, archaeologists discovered this area and immediately started to clean it. Slowly and carefully uncovered the remains of ancient buildings, and finally Foro Romano saw the light of day again. The first comprehensive archaeological survey was carried out at the turn of the 18th and 19th century under the leadership of the Italian archeologist Carlo Fea. In 1803 he discovered the remains of a massive arch Septimius Severus and later of the other temples as well. After these discoveries the place began to attract researchers from all over the world. The main archaeological works were completed in the early of the 20th century when many ruins of temples and basilicas were uncovered.

Visitors to Rome now can see at least a fraction of these beautiful ancient monuments that once dominated by Foro Romano.

Foro Romano is currently considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Although it cannot amaze visitors with its ancient beauty any more, attracts them with its glory and mysterious atmosphere.

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The history of Banská Štiavnica has deep roots. Precious metals were mined here as early as ancient times, when Celts settled the area. The first written evidence of mining dates back to 1217. In 1238 Banská Štiavnica got the privilege of royal city, and already at that time there were two basilicas. From then until the 18th century the city and surrounding areas belonged to the most productive mining areas of silver and gold in Europe. The peak was reached in 1690, when it produced a total of 29 tons of silver and 605 kg of gold. Similar results also brought the year 1740 with 23 tons of silver and 600 kg of gold. However the worst years were 1442-43, when the city was attacked by troops of Bishop Šimon Rozgoň and was also damaged by a strong earthquake.

The city centre is full of churches and public buildings, but also rich houses of miners, merchants and craftsmen. Urban protected area, the original historic core of the city, now includes 360 buildings. Major attractions include the Plaza of St. Trinity with the plague column, rich townsmen houses, town hall and the church of St. Catherine, Kammerhof, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Old and New Castle, Piargská gateway etc.

In addition to architecture and culture Banská Štiavnica was a place of developing science, technology and education. In 1762 there was established Mining Academy, which became the first technically-oriented school in the world. To the mining was later added also forestry. Academy Buildings have been preserved until today.

Traces of mining we can find also in the surrounding countryside. There arose an interesting system of artificial lakes and canals used for drainage down and moving various devices. About 60 water tanks are now used primarily for recreation. Although ponds were created artificially, they fit remarkably well into the landscape. The surrounding Štiavnica Hills offer many interesting and outstanding tours with rich flora and fauna.

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