Being the capital city of modern-day Portugal, Lisbon History is rich and has a mixed cultural background. Situated on the banks of river Tagus, Lisbon is the western most city of mainland Europe. It is a coastal city and is one of the most ancient West Atlantic towns in human history.

Early Lisbon History

In the Neolithic Age the region was mainly inhabited by Iberians. Later, around 1000 B.C., Celts invaded this region and intermingled with the local population to give rise to some new tribes like Cempsi. Phoenicians were also believed to have dwelled here around that time. Allis Ubbo or "safe harbor" was the first historical name of Lisbon and it was so named because the estuary of river Tagus was excellent for port operations. Greeks knew this region as Olissipo, which was later changed into Olissipona in Vulgar Latin.

Roman Empire

After the Punic War and the defeat of Hannibal, the people of Olissipo helped the Roman legions fight the Celts from the north. In return it was integrated into the Roman Empire under the name Felicitas Julia. The region was exempted from any tax burdens and also the citizens were given Roman citizenship. During the time of Augusta Caesar many temples, theaters and insulae (multi-storied apartments)  were built in the modern-day downtown and Castle Hill area. Olissipo mainly traded in Garum (fish sauce), horses , wine and salt with Rome. Toward the end of the Roman Empire, Olissipi was one of the strongest Christian cities in Europe. After the fall of Roman Empire, German Visigoths ruled this region until around 600 CE and they called it as Ulishbona.

Moorish Reign

The Moors, who were Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa, captured this area in 711 CE and named it Lissabona. Under their rule, the Muslim influence in the region flourished. The Muslims ruled the city for around 450 years and then it was recaptured by the knights led by a crusader named Alfonso I in 1147.  Lissbona became Lisboa in Portugese and then Lisbon in English. 

From 15th Century to 20th Century

During the 15th and 16th centuries,several navigators, including Vasco Da Gama , Bartholomew Diaz and Ferdinand Magellan represented Lisbon and the country in expeditions. Portugal lost its independence to Spain in 1580 and after a revolt led by Philip III got back its independence in 1640. In 1755, the city saw one of the most devastating earthquakes in world history--more than 4,000 people in Lisbon were killed.

Napolean Bonaparte invaded Portugal in the first decade of the 19th century and Queen Maria and Prince-Regent João fled to Brazil. Until the early part of 20th century, the country was almost always involved in unrest. In the Second World War Lisbon--and Portugal--were neutral--and the city was a major spy nest in Europe.