The story of Murcia City

By: RussellMarsh

The history of Murcia is a absorbing history of cultivation, trade and INVASION. From early history (500+ B.C.) Murcia's original residents - Iberian tribes - had clearly time-honoured commercial ties with Phoenicians and Greeks. Then Hannibal Barca and his multitudes from Carthage subjugated the region founding Carthago Nova, which today is the stylish sea port of Cartagena.

Then, unavoidably came the Romans and in the 5th Century the Visigoths (German) who subjugated all of Spain under Euric only to be superceded by the Moors in 711.

The stylish city of Murcia (then called Mursiya) was founded in 825 A.D by The Caliph of Cordoba, Abd ar-Rahman II. Founded on the site of an old Roman Colony there are still plenty of Moorish influences there not least in the very impressive City walls.

In the 11th century there was civil war & the Caliphate was comquered by local Spaniards to found an independent kingdom, including (at its height) part of the modern counties of Almeria & Alicante. Calmer times followed until 1243 when Alfonso X of Castilla & Leon re-conquered Murcia and the surrounding Counties. Severe oppression forced the majority of the Moslem community to convert to Christianity. All 20 mosques were then converted into Christaian churches.

Under this new government from Central Spain the history of Murcia took a peaceful turn and the city of Murcia flourished and developed into one of Spain's architectural assets by the start of the 18th century.

At the peak of Murcia's affluence and development Napoleon Bonaparte spoilt the party by sacking and looting the County in 1810. Then came an epidemic of plague followed by Cholera.. Then Murcia's fortunes declined until the last Century when Murcia could only claim minor City status. There was terrible fighting during the Civil War in 1936 and lots of ornate churches and monuments were destroyed. Mucia's decline also occurred as the previously valuable silk market couldn't maintain it's market share against the offensive of man made fibres such as nylon.

The city is still a very attractive and beautiful destination having recently become a University City with a modern pulsating ambience yet retaining a host of architectural interest.

It seems the next chapter in the saga of Murcia has started, the latest assault of Murcia is on and will again be from the north but this time in the form of golf resort dwelling residents.

The monetary welfare of Murcia is safe.

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Russell owns several Spanish property web sites.Russell Marsh specialises in Polaris World properties and is more than happy to give free help. Russell owns Murcia property. Russell Marsh is an authorised agent of Polaris World Golf Resorts

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