The history of Portugal (A very short extract only)

The history of Portugal is as colourful and varied as it possibly could be. For a small country like Portugal its history and involvement in world shaping affairs is quite sensational looking back at the history of Portugal from a historic perspective.
Portugal did not have an easy time throughout its history. Portugal is a small Nation of 10 Million people but Portugal despite of its size has a lot to be proud of.

Over the centuries, so many different countries have invaded and overthrown Portugal rulers at the time.
Portugal was colonised by the Romans, than invaded by northern tribes such as the Goths and Visigoths, and after their rule had come to an end; Portugal was dominated by the Spanish.

The Moorish invasions followed and once the Moors had been driven out in the late 12th century Portugal should have enjoyed a les hectic period in their history - not so. There was constant arguing with the Spanish crown who was the supreme ruler over the Iberian Peninsula. This situation went on for centuries.

The Castilians invaded Portugal continuously during that time. This is the reason why until today the Spanish are not exactly regarded as the best friend of the Portuguese. No wonder that the Portuguese take offence when spoken to in Spanish! A saying goes 'De Espanha nem bom vento nem bom casamento' (from Spain come neither fair winds nor good marriages).
Portugal saw their fortunes changing in the 15th and 16th centuries known in Portugal as “the golden times”.

Portugal had become a world power and world explorers (and exploiters) and there was time, when Spain and Portugal divided the world (what was known of it) between them.

In the 19th century Portugal went on to take over African colonies such as Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde. The recent history of Portugal was rule of Salazar and his dictatorial regime with which he ruled Portugal.