This history is just intended to give you an idea of what the country has gone through in the past 1200 years. By no means is this conclusive nor all I learned about it. To truly learn and understand Portuguese history you have to go there and experience it your self.

   I will start my 30 second history of Portugal with the Moores. The Moores were Muslims from North Africa. They occupied Spain and Portugal from 711 until almost 1500 when crusaders “drove them away.” The Moores spread their culture and their knowledge through Spain and Portugal but they did so in a benevolent way. They allowed other cultures (namely the Christians and the Jews) to retain their culture. In fact, the Moores blended influences from these groups into their culture. They also realized that some things, such as wine production, which were forbidden for their culture, were good for trade and therefore allowed them to continue. Around 1087 French crusaders (The Moores survived in Spain until almost 1500, not the region) drove the Moores out of what is present day Portugal and established Portugal as a province. The French and Moores then struggle for the next 200 years in which the French “counts” of Portugal undergo the typical arranged marriages and Nobel hogwash. The end result (this is the readers digest version) is Portuguese is established as the official language, Portugal is founded and the Moores are forced to leave.

   Portugal then slowly starts building as an navel power, interested in wealth and knowledge. They capitalize on the age of discovery, slowly and with precise calculations establish colonies in Africa and Brazil to increase their wealth. So as Spain was slaughtering the people of the Americas (that is North and South) Portugal was pulling in money from Trade in Africa and Asia. I did not know this but Portugal controlled much of Africa during this time and that’s where all their wealth came from. When the age of discovery ended, so did much of Portugal’s influence and power.

   So today, visitors find Portugal a very laid back country filled with lore. With enchanted ruins, attractive towns and very friendly people. Portugal is well worth a visit on a trip to Europe just to experience this fanatic country for your self and learn about their history.