June 6- San Antonio

Iberians were the first to live in Spain, thus naming the Iberian Peninsula. The Iberians were important because they brought agriculture and were able to work with metals, making weapons, shields and jewelry. Also influencing the peninsula were the Greeks, Phoenicians and the Romans.

The Greeks are credited for developing olive and vine cultures and getting the first coins. They influenced art and had a short lived commercial expansion

The Phoenicians brought Mediterranean culture to the Iberians. They built towns, mined silver, working iron and bronze, and drank wine. The also shared their alphabet so Iberian language could have a written form.

The Romans brought laws, the Latin language and also Christianity over the course of two centuries. They made beautiful structures and built amazing architecture. They built to impress. Take for instance the Roman Aqueduct. It is one the most beautiful, "must see" structures in all of Spain. It is one of those sturctures you can look at and just imagine the Roman's conquest and try to visualize a Roman's strength, mentally and physically.

The Romans saw Hispania as a vital component of power. Hispania was a place where civil wars could be decided and large fortunes can be easily made. There were plenty of metals to be mined here, and there was also agriculture.

The Romans did not have an easy time conquering Spain because there was more than a round of revolt and they fought savagely. Caesar intended to fight for victory, but ended up fighting for his life. The conquest lasted about two centuries. It is safe to say they went back to the drawing board quite a few times!