History of the Algarve or Al-Gharb - Learn its Origins and all its History
The history of the Algarve is a fusion of cultures and civilizations dating back at least 3500 years ago. Discover the History of the beautiful region.
The Algarve is a region that calls upon it beautiful sun-drenched beaches, dramatic cliffs,golf courses and vibrant tourist destinations. But beyond the natural beauty lies a deep and fascinating history.
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, has seen a blend of cultures, conflicts, and civilizations that have shaped its modern identity.
From prehistoric times through Roman rule, Moorish dominance, and eventual integration into the Kingdom of Portugal, the history of the Algarve is one of transformation and cultural fusion.
History of the Algarve - Where Does the Name "Algarve" Come From?
What is the Origin of the name “Algarve”? The name Algarve comes from the Arabic term “Al-Gharb,” meaning “the West.” It referred to the westernmost part of the Islamic world during the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula to the west of Andalusia.
As per Wikipedia;
“The name Algarve comes from Gharb Al-Andalus (Arabic: غرب الأندلس, gharb al-ʼandalus; “The West of Al-Andalus”), or just Al-Gharb (Arabic: الغرب, al-gharb; “The West”), the name given by the Muslims of Iberia to the region to the west of Andalusia”
Early History of the Algarve: Prehistoric Settlements
Long before the Romans and Moors set foot in the Algarve, prehistoric communities inhabited the region.
Archaeological findings suggest that humans have lived here for thousands of years, with evidence of early settlements dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
These ancient people were primarily hunter-gatherers and later evolved into agrarian societies, influenced by the geographical benefits of the region.
Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods in the Algarve Region
During the Neolithic period (approximately 6000 – 4000 BCE), communities began to establish more permanent settlements, utilizing the fertile land for agriculture.
The Algarve’s coastal areas provided a rich source of food from the sea, while the inland areas were fertile grounds for farming.
As we transition into the Chalcolithic (Copper Age), around 3000 BCE, metalworking started to play a pivotal role in these societies.
The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts along the coast around 1000 BCE.
There is still evidence of the Phoenician times in Tavira, today you can still see sector of the wall they built around the old town of Tavira.
The Phoencians are also part of the history of the Town of Loulé being the first to settle in Loulé.
Megalithic Structures: The First Monuments
One of the most striking remnants of this era is the megalithic monuments still found in the Algarve today.
. These stone structures, such as the Anta de Pavia and the menhirs near Vila do Bispo, provide a glimpse into the spiritual and societal practices of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
These structures suggest that the Algarve’s early inhabitants had a complex social and religious life.
The Roman Influence in the History of the Algarve
The Romans arrived in the Algarve around the 2nd century BCE, and their influence left a lasting mark on the region.
The Algarve, known to the Romans as “Cyneticum,” (believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere), became part of the Roman province of Lusitania.
Roman rule introduced new systems of governance, architecture, and trade that would shape the development of the region.
The Importance of Port Cities
During Roman times, the Algarve’s coastal cities, such as Ossonoba (modern-day Faro), thrived as key trading ports.
Ossonoba became an essential center for commerce, exporting fish, olive oil, and wine across the Roman Empire.
The city was also a hub for Roman culture, with amphitheaters, temples, and aqueducts being constructed to serve the local population.
Roman Engineering: Roads and Aqueducts
The Romans were master engineers, and their infrastructure significantly improved the Algarve’s connectivity and economy.
They built a network of roads that connected the Algarve to the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, facilitating trade and military movements.
Roman aqueducts, some of which can still be seen today, revolutionized agriculture by improving irrigation systems, enabling more consistent crop yields in the region’s fertile plains.
The History of the Algarve during the Moorish Period: A Golden Age for the Algarve
Perhaps the most profound influence in the history of the Algarve came during the Moorish period, which began in the 8th century CE.
The Moors, Islamic invaders from North Africa, arrived in 711 CE and quickly established dominance over the region. Under Moorish rule, the Algarve became a flourishing cultural and economic hub, deeply connected to the wider Islamic world.
It is during the Moorish Period that Algarve gets its name Al-Gharb!
Agricultural Innovations: The Influence of Irrigation
One of the most significant Moorish contributions to the Algarve was their introduction of advanced irrigation techniques.
The Moors built sophisticated irrigation systems, known as “noras” (waterwheels) and “levadas” (aqueducts), which allowed them to cultivate crops like oranges, almonds, and figs, which remain important in the region today.
Architectural Heritage: The Legacy of the Moors
Moorish architecture left a lasting imprint on the Algarve. The city of Silves, once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, is home to the famous Silves Castle, an imposing fortress that showcases the military and architectural prowess of the Moors.
The region’s whitewashed buildings, often adorned with intricate tile work, also reflect Moorish influence, creating a unique blend of cultural aesthetics that continues to draw visitors today.
The Reconquista and the Integration into Portugal
The fall of Moorish rule in the Algarve was part of the larger “Reconquista,” a centuries-long effort by Christian forces to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula.
The Algarve was the last region in Portugal to be reclaimed from the Moors, with the final conquest occurring in 1249 under King Afonso III. King Afonso III was known as the King of Portugal and the Algarve.
This marked the beginning of the Algarve’s integration into the Kingdom of Portugal.
Silves: The Last Moorish Stronghold
Silves was the last major city to fall during the Reconquista.
The siege of Silves in 1189, followed by its final capture in 1242, marked the end of Moorish dominance in the Algarve.
The city’s strategic importance made it a focal point of military efforts during this period. After the Reconquista, many of the region’s Moorish influences were retained, blending with the new Christian culture that began to flourish.
The Role of the Algarve in Portuguese Expansion
Following the Reconquista, the Algarve played a significant role in Portugal’s maritime exploration during the Age of Discovery.
Its southernmost location of Sagres made it an ideal launching point for expeditions, and explorers such as Prince Henry the Navigator used the Algarve as a base for their ventures into Africa and the Atlantic.
This period marked a new chapter in the Algarve’s history, as it became a gateway for Portugal’s imperial ambitions.
The Algarve in the Modern Era
The modern history of the Algarve is one of transformation. From the 18th century onward, the region experienced both periods of decline and resurgence.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake devastated much of the Algarve, particularly in coastal cities like Faro, Vila Real de Santo António and Lagos, leading to significant rebuilding efforts in the centuries that followed.
