Newly Compiled History of the Spanish-Portuguese Royal Family

Author: Wang Zhonghe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: This book introduces the court histories of the royal families of Spain and Portugal in chronological order, accompanied by illustrations and historical references. It serves as an accessible read for those interested in the history and court intrigues of the Spanish and Portuguese royal families.
Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest, the Bay of Biscay to the northwest, Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the northeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast, and Morocco in North Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar. Its territory spans approximately 870 kilometers from north to south and 1,050 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of 504,748 square kilometers. The country has a coastline of over 4,300 kilometers, most of which is navigable by ships.
The early history of Portugal is closely tied to that of Spain. In the 5th century, barbarian invasions swept across Western Europe, with the Alanos, Vandals, and Suebi being the main groups to enter the Portuguese region. The Suebi established a relatively stable political organization and founded the Suebi Kingdom, which included Galicia, with its capital in Braga. From then on, the territory expanded continuously, extending as far as the south of the Douro River. Historians believe that the inhabitants of both banks of the Douro River at that time were the ancestors of the Portuguese people.