Timeline of Gibraltar

Chronology

31 events spanning the history of Gibraltar. BCE/CE dating.

1. 0

   The African Plate collided tightly with Europe some 55 million years ago.

   The African Plate collided tightly with Europe some 55 million years ago. The Mediterranean became a lake which, in the course of time, dried up until 5 million years ago when the Atlantic broke through the Strait of Gibraltar and flooded it again, isolating the Rock of Jurassic limestone.

2. 711

   Gibraltar captured by Muslim commander Tariq Ibn-Ziyad.

   Gibraltar captured by Muslim commander Tariq Ibn-Ziyad.

3. 940

   The Rock becomes a place of worship.

   The Phoenicians follow other navigators from the eastern Mediterranean in visiting the Strait and found the city Carteia at the head of the Bay of Gibraltar. The Rock becomes a place of worship where sailors sacrifice to the gods before entering the Atlantic.

4. 1160

   Foundations were laid for the first city in Gibraltar - the Medinat al-Fath, the City of Victory.

   By the 11th Century AD Gibraltar is part of the Arab kingdom of Seville except for a short period when it comes under Berber rule from Malaga. The mounting threat of invasion by North Africa sects forces the Arab Governor of Algeciras to order in 1068 the building of a fort in Gibraltar. Spain is eventually overrun by another North African sect, the Almohads, and it was their leader, Abd-ad-Mummin, who commanded the building of the first city in Gibraltar - the Medinat al-Fath, the City of Victory. It was by all accounts, an impressive city and its foundations were laid on the 19th May 1160 AD. On completion of the works Al - Mummin personally crossed the Strait to inspect the works and stayed in Gibraltar for two months, inviting all his subordinate kings to see his works. It is said that Al - Mummin was especially impressed by a large windmill which had been built on top of the hill (Windmill Hill).

5. 1333

   Ferdinand to offer freedom from justice to anyone who lived in Gibraltar for one year and one day.

   The Spaniards set to repair the fortifications and shipyard but few people wanted to settle in Gibraltar, which was considered to be a high risk town. This forced Ferdinand to offer freedom from justice to anyone who lived in Gibraltar for one year and one day. By 1333 Gibraltar was once more in Muslim hands as Abdul Malik, son of the King of Morocco, laid siege. The garrison surrendered after four and a half months of siege.

6. 1374

   Gibraltar becomes part of the Muslim Kingdom of Granada.

   Gibraltar becomes part of the Muslim Kingdom of Granada.

7. 1462

   Gibraltar is recaptured by Castille.

   Gibraltar is recaptured by Castille and became part of the estates of the Duke of Medina Sidonia.

8. 1492

   The Jews are expelled from Spain, many pass through Gibraltar.

   The Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella conquer Granada, the last vestige of the Muslim domination of Spain. The Jews are expelled from Spain and many pass through Gibraltar on their way into exile in North Africa.

9. 1501

   Isabella I, queen of Castile and Aragon, annexes Gibraltar to Spain.

   It was Queen Isabella who, tired of the petty squabbling among her nobility, issued a decree on the 2nd December 1501 AD, making Gibraltar, Spanish crown property.

10. 1502

    Queen Isabella grants Gibraltar a coat of arms consisting of a castle.

    Queen Isabella grants Gibraltar a coat of arms consisting of a castle, which symbolizes its importance as a fortress, and a key which highlights its reputation as the key to Spain, which it has held since the time of Moslem conquest.