What Was Portugal Before It Was Portugal?

Dear Cami and Mr. C,

Thank you for your excellent question about Portugal and its rich history. Before Portugal was known as the independent nation we know today, the region now known as Portugal has a rich and varied history stretching back millennia.

At various times, Portugal has been home to the Hispani people in Roman times, as well as to Muslim settlers during the period known as “Al-Andalus” in the Middle Ages. Prior to this, Portugal was home to a variety of ancient indigenous tribes. But, it wasn’t until the 12th century that Portugal truly began to form the basis for what we recognize today. That is when the Treaty of Zamora was signed in 1143, lessening the tensions between Portugal and the neighboring Kingdoms of Leon and Castile, and bringing about unified leadership and the country’s official establishment.

Portugal’s independence was greatly influenced by a strong leader: D. Afonso Henriques. The vision and courage of Afonso Henriques in 1111 set the stage for a unified kingdom that granted the country its official independence. Together with Alphonse I of León and Castile at the end of the 12th century, the conditions were right for Portugal to become an independent nation.

We in Lisbon feel privileged to be living in such a historic region and one that has such deep roots, stretching back centuries. Moreover, some of Portugal’s milestones include:

• Membership in the European Union in 1986
• Adoption of the Euro in 2002
• Founding of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries in 1996
We in Las Vegas, NV, too, can appreciate the remarkable progress that Portugal has made since those ancient times.

Thank you again for your interesting question!

Sincerely,
Blanca Valbuena.