Spain and Portugal 500 CE

What is happening in Spain and Portugal in 500CE

Like most other parts of the Roman empire, the Iberian Peninsula suffered from barbarian invasion during the third century despite its distance form the Rhine frontiers. The region then experienced comparative peace during the fourth century. At this time the peninsula seems to have become a leading centre of Christianity.

This peace was shattered In the early fifth century, when barbarians swept through the land, causing widespread destruction. In due course the Suevi and Visigoths consolidated their power there, and by now the Visigoths control most of the peninsula.

The Visigoths, being Arian Christians rather than Catholics, maintain a certain distance form the local population. However, they use Hispano-Roman officials to help them run their kingdom. The old towns, though shrunk and damaged, retain much of their importance. As elsewhere in western Europe, the troubled times of the past century has given the Church a position of outstanding leadership amongst the people.

Next map, Spain and Portugal in 750 CE