Historia y tradición

• The Capital City of Madrid
  
  The history of some Spanish cities dates back to the days of the Roman Empire, but Madrid evolved around a Moorish fortress that wasn't built until the 900s. And it didn't become a city until 600 years later, when Philip II (great-grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella) made it the capital of his empire. Find out more about the relative newcomer among major European cities from DiscoverySchool.com.
  
  
• A Brief History of Bullfighting
  
  How did bullfighting begin, and what happens during a bullfight? The sport follows an established protocol, from the parade into the ring to the estoque (final touch of death) — unless, of course, the bull wins! Read the background information, then follow the link to a tribute to legendary bullfighter Manolete, illustrated with photos and a bullfight poster.
  
  
• Children's Drawings during the Spanish Civil War
  
  War seems especially tragic when it affects children, and the Guerra Civil Espanola (Spanish Civil War) is no exception. During the war, more than a million Spaniards were killed, families were torn apart, and children were forced into refugee camps. Learn what life was like for those children by seeing hundreds of their drawings, presented online in an easily navigable form by the University of California at San Diego.
  
  
• The Spanish Language
  
  Think of the Roman Empire's effect on Spain, and ruins of coliseums and aqueducts come to mind. But the ancient Romans left their mark even more indelibly on the region's language. Find out how the regional dialects of Castillian, Catalan, and Gallego were derived from Latin, influenced by Arabic, and continue to evolve.
  
  
• The Columbus Letter
  
  Christopher Columbus didn't send a postcard home from his trip to the New World, but he did write letters. The first letter he wrote after landing in the Caribbean in 1493 was sent to the Spanish court; in it, he described his discoveries. The University of Southern Maine provides an English translation of this letter, which includes Columbus's marvel at the exotic land he discovered, as well as his reactions to the indigenous people — people who were later subjugated or killed by Columbus and his successors.
  Geographical Diffusion of Columbus's First Letter A little letter went a long way. This chart shows how Europe spread the word about the New World from Portugal to the Netherlands.
  
  
• Hispanic Genealogy
  
  Anyone who wants to trace his or her family roots needs to understand family names. This Hispanic genealogist's website explains the complexity of Spanish surnames and gives some advice about family research. Confused about the terms "Hispanic" and "Latin"? The author provides some insight on that topic, too.
  
  
• World Heritage Cities of Spain
  
  In a country with a rich history and culture that stretches across millennia, eight cities have been singled out by the United Nations as World Heritage Cities. This website captures the magnificent beauty and culture that distinguishes them. Don't stop at the first page — adventurous travelers can follow links at the bottom of each city description.
  Historic Segovia Tour of the Castilian town of Segovia. Visit over a dozen different historic sites, such as the Alcázar, the aqueduct, and the great Gothic cathedral.
  
  
• 17th Century Spain: In Search of Gold & Silver
  
  Remember the Golden Rule: the one with the gold makes the rules (or so the joke goes). The king of Spain kept close tabs on the treasure fleets bringing back gold, silver, and other treasures from the New World. He needed the treasure to finance wars with other European countries — and to increase his own wealth, of course. Learn more about 17th-century Spanish treasure fleets, sea battles, shipbuilding, and sailing from this website by the Miami Museum of Science.
  
  
• The Spanish Armada
  
  His empire was immense, but his ego, and thirst for vengeance, was even bigger. What caused Spain's King Philip II to plan an invasion of England with 30,000 men in a fleet of ships known as the Spanish Armada? The National Maritime Museum in London provides this very readable website about Philip's plan and his defeat.
  
  
• St. Teresa of Ávila: Reformer and Contemplative
  
  A common woman in 16th-century Spain had few options. Yet St. Teresa of Ávila managed to achieve a position of great influence that resonates to the present day. Although she became a nun and lived in a convent for all of her adult life, her life was far from sheltered. One brother was killed by Moors and another brother went to Peru with Pizarro. She experienced the spiritual shake-up caused by the Protestant Reformation, and she was called before the Spanish Inqusition more than once. Read her inspiring biography here.
  
  
• The History of Spain in 500 Words
  
  Strap on that seatbelt and take a lightning-fast journey across 6,000 years of Spanish history. This condensed history and a great timeline of important dates highlight the main events that enriched Spain's kaleidoscope of culture. From the earliest tribes to the Romans and the Moors, Spain has had its fair share of conquerors and polite visitors.
  
  
• Catherine of Aragón: From Spanish Princess to English Queen
  
  Betrothed to a king at the age of 3 and widowed when only 16, Catherine of Aragón led a life that was far from ordinary. At this website on Tudor history, find out more about the woman who was a daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella, the first wife of England's Henry VIII, and the mother of England's Queen "Bloody" Mary Tudor.
  Images of Catherine of Aragón These clickable images help tell the story of the Spanish princess's life in England.
  
  
• The Great Manipulator: Queen Isabella of Spain
  
  Like a puppeteer, Isabella manipulated both friends and foes to preserve her power. As the only female ruler in Europe at the time, she needed to show strength: she married a rival king, united a country, and played games with religion and war to maintain her throne. See what one college professor has to say about this clever queen of Castile.
  
  

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