Denia History
Dénia, located on the southeastern coast of Spain, boasts a rich and diverse history shaped by various civilizations over millennia. Here’s an exploration of its historical evolution and cultural heritage:
1. **Early Settlements and Greek Influence**:
– Evidence suggests human presence in Dénia dating back to the Neolithic Era. The area was also influenced by a Greek colony known as Hemeroskopeion, which contributed to its early cultural development.
2. **Roman Occupation**:
– During the 3rd century BC, the Romans established a presence in Dénia, further influencing its development and leaving behind significant archaeological remains.
3. **Islamic Rule and Moorish Influence**:
– Dénia came under Arab rule during the 8th to 13th centuries, a period marked by substantial cultural and architectural advancements. The Moorish rulers constructed Dénia Castle between the 11th and 12th centuries, with subsequent expansions in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
4. **Christian Reconquest**:
– In 1244, Dénia was reconquered by the Christians under the leadership of King Jaime I of Aragon, marking a significant shift in its political and cultural landscape.
5. **War of Succession and Economic Struggles**:
– During the War of Succession in the early 18th century, Dénia sided with Archduke Charles of Austria, leading to sieges and eventual occupation in 1708. This period resulted in economic hardships for the region.
6. **Economic Renaissance and Decline**:
– Dénia experienced economic prosperity in the 19th century, particularly due to the raisin trade, which was a major industry in the area. However, the early 20th century saw devastation with the outbreak of phylloxera, severely impacting the local economy.
7. **Tourism and Modern Growth**:
– From the 1960s onwards, Dénia began to thrive again, this time through tourism. The influx of visitors to Dénia and its surrounding areas sparked rapid economic growth and development, transforming it into a popular tourist destination.
8. **Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Treasures**:
– Today, Dénia proudly preserves its diverse cultural heritage through monuments, museums, archaeological ruins, and distinct neighborhoods. The Archaeological Museum housed in Dénia Castle provides insights into its rich history spanning various civilizations.
9. **Name Origin**:
– The origin of the name Dénia is debated among scholars. Some believe it derives from the Arabic “Daniah,” meaning low or near, possibly referencing its geographical setting. Others suggest a Roman origin linked to the Roman temple of Diana.
Dénia’s history reflects its status as a cultural crossroads influenced by Iberian, Roman, Islamic, and Christian civilizations. Its evolution from ancient settlements to a bustling modern tourist destination underscores its enduring appeal and historical significance on Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
We recommend that you discover Dénia by exploring each of its zones:
Stroll through the city centre, where the main street of Dénia is located, C/ Marqués de Campo, with its terraces, shops and buildings of historical interest. The adjacent streets invite you to explore the Municipal Market, the old Raisin Warehouses, the Square: Plaza del Convento, the Church: Iglesia de San Antonio, etc.
Then walk around the Historical City Centre, where you will find the Town Council, the Church: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, the Ethnological Museum, etc.
Climb the steps to the Castle and discover its towers, walls and of course, its Archaeological Museum.
In the exterior, Les Roques neighbourhood will astonish you with its narrow streets and its low level houses.
5th – 1st Century B.C. Iberian Age
Archaeological ruins in Mt. Montgó :
l’Alt de Benimaquía
la Penya de l’Aguila.
1st Century B.C. – 6th Century A.D. Roman Age
Ciudad de Dianium: Centro de distribución de productos procedentes del Norte de África e Italia.
Sertorio establece su base naval en Dénia en el S. I a.C. Durante la 1ª mitad de siglo la ciudad alcanza su máximo apogeo.
6th Century – 8th Century Byzantine/ Visigoth Age
From 552 to 624 A.D., Dénia formed a part of the Byzantine province of Spania, which represents Dianium’s continuity in the Roman world. The Visigoths settled in this zone in the 7th Century.
In the Visigoth age, we highlight the establishment of the Episcopal See in Dénia which reported to the Diocese of Toledo.
8th Century – 13th Century
Islamic Age
The Islamic Daniya.
Importance of Dénia’s Port, source of its major urban development: the Dénia Port was selected as the construction site of the new dockyards for the Caliph’s naval fleet.
11th Century: Muyahid seizes control of the Dénia Port’s Navy from the zone’s troops and is proclaimed Emir.
1086 A.D.: Dénia is converted into a Taifa Kingdom.
13th Century – 16th Century
Medieval Christian Age
1244: Christian conquest of Dénia by Pere Eiximen d’en Carròs (sent by King Jaime I the Conqueror)
14th century: King Pedro III of Aragón appoints his cousin, Alfonso of Aragón as 1st Count of Dénia.
15th century: Juan de Trastamara transfers the county of Dénia to a Castilian family: Sandoval y Rojas. In 1487, Diego Sandoval y Rojas is appointed as the 1st Marquis of Dénia
16th Century – 18th Century
Modern Age
1580: Miguel de Cervantes disembarks in Dénia following his captivity in Algeria.
1604: The Nª Sra de Loreto or Augustine Barefoot Nuns Convent is founded.
1609: Expulsion of the Moriscos (converted Muslim Christians).
17th century: Dénia receives the title of city.
18th century: Construction of the Church: Iglesia de La Asunción and remodelling of the Church: Iglesia de San Antonio.
19th Century
Economic splendour due to the Raisin Trade.
Raisin exports to major European cities.
Construction of the Dénia-Carcajente Railway.
Production of over 400,000 quintales (hundredweight) of raisins by the end of the century.
Early 20th Century: Attack of the Grape Phylloxera pest on the grapevines of Dénia.
Development of Agriculture, Industry and Toy Production
Complete opening of the city’s main street: Calle Marqués de Campos.
60’s Decade: Development of Tourism and the Fishing Industry.
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