PORTUGUESE HISTORY Meaning and
Definition
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Portuguese history refers to the historical events and developments that have taken place in the region known as Portugal. Portugal is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe and has a rich and intricate history that spans several centuries.
Portuguese history is characterized by various stages and significant periods, starting with the Roman and Moorish influences during ancient times. However, a defining moment in Portuguese history is the establishment of the country as an independent kingdom in 1139, under the rule of the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques.
Over the centuries, Portugal experienced a period of exploration and expansion, known as the Age of Discovery, during the 15th and 16th centuries. This marked a crucial period in Portuguese history, with explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan undertaking voyages that expanded Portuguese influence and established trade routes to Africa, India, and eventually, the Americas.
During the 16th to 18th centuries, Portugal's status as a global power declined, as it faced challenges such as foreign invasions and economic difficulties. However, the Napoleonic era and the liberal revolution in the 19th century brought significant changes to Portuguese history, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
In the 20th century, Portugal experienced political instability, a dictatorship under António de Oliveira Salazar, and colonial wars in Africa. The Carnation Revolution in 1974 led to the end of the dictatorship and the establishment of a democratic republic in Portugal.
Overall, Portuguese history encompasses a diverse range of historical periods, events, and cultural influences, all of which have shaped the country's development, identity, and place in the world.
Etymology of PORTUGUESE HISTORY
The etymology of the word "Portuguese" can be traced back to the Latin term "Portus Cale", which was used to refer to an ancient region that is now part of modern-day Portugal. The term "Portus Cale" translates to "Port of Cale" or "Port of Gaia", where "Cale" is believed to have been the name of a settlement near the present-day city of Porto.
As for the word "history", it comes from the Latin term "historia", which means "narrative of past events". This Latin word was derived from the Greek term "historie", meaning "knowledge acquired by investigation".
Therefore, "Portuguese history" refers to the narrative or knowledge of past events related to the country and people of Portugal.
