Manorca a brief history
...for long voyages. This theory emerged due to the fact that excavations and archaeological digs have not resulted in the findings of any Greek settlements or buildings. In the third century BC, Menorca saw the influx of the Carthaginians. Little is really know about their inhabitation of Menorca except that they founded several settlements including Jamma (Ciutadella) and Maghen (Mao). The former being the old capital and the latter being the current capital. During the third century BC the Carthaginians enlisted the Balearic slingshot throwers to fight in the Punic Wars. For many this was a fantastic job as they were paid in wine and women. As time went on, the Balearics saw the invasion of the Romans and in 123 BC, it became a Roman Colony. They named it Balearis Menor with Mallorca being Balearis Major. The Roman conquest got rid of the disruptive influence of the pirates in the Mediterranean, and brought political stability and the Latin Culture. During their time they also introduced viticulture, olive oil production and the establishment of road networks and towns. Mao was developed as an administrative centre whilst Sanisera, an old Phoenician trading post, became an important port. As the Roman Empire declined various invaders, such as the Vandaland Goths took over the islands. By 711 AD the invasion which was to alter the structure of Iberian civilisation was gathering momentum in Africa. Moslems and a North African tribe called the Moors. They conquered Spain through Gibraltar and went onto France by 732. In 902 the Moors returned to the Balearics and they stayed for 300 years. Their influence is seen at the Baths and in parts of the Almundiana Place in Palma. Then followed various rulers until 1727 when the islands became an independent Kingdom. In 902 the Balearic Islands enter the Caliphate of Cordoba, under the Islamic rule. The Moorish rule of the next 300 years explains the Arabic influence. In 1229, Jaume I of Aragon conquered Mallorca. Alfonso III of Aragon lands at Mao and the Moors surrender. Christianity is restored. Alfonso divides Menorca up amongst his followers but dies in 1291. Menorca is ruled by the Kings of Mallorca and Catalan becomes the main language. In 1535 the Turkish pirate Barbarossa attacks Mao killing and enslaving half of the population. In the 17th century the British gained treaty rights to the use of the port of Mao. This saw the start of the heavy British influence on the island with Mao becoming the main city. In 1708 the British occupancy of Me...