Ibiza Before It Became Nightclub Paradise
Ibiza was discovered nearly 3000-years-ago, in 654 B.C. by the Carthaginians. Who are the Carthaginians I hear you ask? They originated from PhoneciaҠ[which is now known as Tunisia]. They used the island as a centre for trade buying and selling goods like gold and salt between countries via Ibiza. This Spanish island also became an early semytary for the Carthaginians as they believed the island was a safe spot to berry bodies because animals wouldn"t dig them up for food.The Greek"s and Roman"s made their way into Ibiza when, in 123 B.C. they conquered the BalearicIslands through the Punic War. Despite Roman ruling, Ibiza, also known back then as ebusus, remained a separate state and not as part of the Roman Empire. Fingerprints from the Roman"s can still be found on the entrance gates to the area of D"Alt Vila Spanish for the old town where two Roman statues stand.
Religious influences also came to Ibiza via the Barbarians and the Byzantines. They were responsible for the construction of the underground Chapel at Santa ines one of the first buildings on the island to have a proper irrigation system. However, the most profound impacts in the eclectic identity of Ibiza came via the Arabic"s. Migrating to the island in the ninth century, the Arabs gave it the name Yebiza and their influence can still be seen through construction of the houses, musical instruments and traditional costumes. They also made their mark religiously, building a Mosque in Ibiza Town which has since been removed and replaced with the present-day Cathedral. Religious symbols reminding those on the island of Arab occupation still do exist though, like the watchtowers. One of the most important benefits the Arab"s had on Ibiza was the good economic influences bringing one of the most prosperous periods to the island through the strengthening of the fishing and agriculture industry.
The top economic stability has continued since then, but now tourism is the main driver. About visiters flock to the island annually. Ibiza started out as a place where cultures were embraced and adopted and the increasing numbers of international guests dancing in the clubs andҠbars and lazing on the beautiful beaches is evidence of the continuation of the hard work of past generations. It"s our jobs to keep the dream alive on the island.
By Nastasia Campanella
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