Barcelona's Power Struggles

Written by Ben Kesp

Roman City of Barcino (Barcelona)

What truly is the value or the meaning of a city? 

Periods of time can alter the perception of what it means. Is it a powerbase, a strategic location, an industrial hub or an urban landscape? Battles, strife, death and victory have all played part in the history of Barcelona or Barkeno, its original name when it was but a village on the Iberian Peninsula. 

The origins of the city are unclear however it has ancient sites and tombs dating back to 5,500 B.C within the Neolithic period. First known settlements are recorded from the 3rd and 2nd century B.C by people from the Iberian Peninsula. 

As always to fill in the gaps we can rely on mythology and legends. Barcelona is not without its myths that record the origins of how the city began in two ways. Before the foundation of Rome, Hercules joins Jason (ancient Greek hero) and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece (gold hair winged ram). They travelled across the Mediterranean in nine ships however one of the ships got lost in a great storm. Hercules finds the ship by a small hill. The crew survived and fell in love with the beauty of the location naming it Barca Nona, meaning “Ninth Ship”. 

The second myth records that the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal founded the city sometime around 230 B.C. The name Barkenon was given to the new settlement which gave rise to the earliest name of Barcelona being referred to as Barkeno. 

Moving away from the myth to what we understand as actual history, it has been a colourful journey for this foundling settlement that has grown into the second largest city in Spain. 

Through the Ages

Romans

During the Cantabrian Wars (29 – 19 B.C), the Romans battled with the Carthaginians for control of the area. It was Caesar Augustus who finally declared victory in 19 B.C. Barcelona was known as Barcino during this period. One of the most impressive buildings in the city was the large temple dedicated to Augustus. Three columns survive today highlighting the grandeur and scale of the building. 

Temple of Agustus - Barcelona 

Christians

These were the early days of the Christian communities and one was founded in Barcino around the 3rd century. Persecution of Christians was rife with many bishops and deacons being burned alive. Cucuphas (Sant Cugat/San Cucufato/Cucufate) and 13 year old Eulalia were Christians who was killed in Barcino. Eulalia became the co-patron saint of Barcelona and her tomb rests in the crypt of the cathedral. Later in the year 313 greater freedom was given to Christians within the Roman Empire and Praetextatus became the first bishop of the city. Remains of the first Christian Church in Barcino can still be seen today under the present day Medieval Cathedral of Barcelona. 

Visigoths 

Nothing remains constant and changes were afoot with the arrival of the Visigoths at the beginning of the 5th century. The Western Roman Empire was weakening from continuous attacks from the Germanic tribes. Ataulf of the Visigoths established his court at Barcino. Following his death, new relations began between the Romans and the Visigoths, where the Visigoths became allies responsible for watching over the invading Germanic tribes. Barcino became an important centre and powerbase for the Visigoths and during the rule of Gesalec (507 – 511), they moved the Visigoth capital to Barcino. 

Jews

Cathedral of Barcelona

The Jewish community began in Barcino around the 4th century and were allowed to exist under Roman rule. Things were not so fortunate under the rule of the Visigoths and the Jews found themselves tortured and persecuted. The population of the Visigoths was small and they held the positions of power. In the year 654 the Visigoth King, Recceswinth imposed heavy laws on the Jews and following his death, the Jews feared that Wamba, the new king would continue enforcing the harsh laws. Revolts and turmoil followed. Eventually King Wamba understood the importance of the Jewish community for the economic importance for the city and called for a reconciliation. However relief for the Jews was short lived following Wamba being dethroned and his successor Erwig enforcing new and harsher laws. 

Muslims

Opportunity for the Arabs during a civil war in 711, lead to a weakening of the Iberian Peninsula, ripe for a takeover. The Arabs were victorious in the Battle of Guadalete. Arab power soon squashed Christian resistance. The Visigoth Kingdom was invaded and conquered in 720. 

Counts of Barcelona

Barcelona was captured in 801 by Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, King of the Franks, responsible for uniting most of Western Europe in the Middle Ages. The regions of the area were dived into Spanish Marches and administered by counts appointed by the King. The Carolingian (Frankish Noble Family) Counts of Barcelona grew in power and ruled for many centuries weakening the position of the Kings. The fortified city of Barcelona was strongly defended, prospered and grew in strength. 

Crown of Aragon

In 1137 Ramon IV Berenquer, Count of Barcelona married Petronila, the future queen of Aragon from the neighbouring region. In 1162 Alfonso II of Aragon, son of Ramon IV and Petronila, inherited the Crown however the administration of the Aragon and Catalan regions remained separate. Barcelona was by this time the largest urban settlement in the Catalan region with a busy Mediterranean port. 

Spanish Monarchy

In 1469 the two royal houses of Aragon and Castile were joined in the union of marriage between Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Castile was a larger region to the west containing the city of Madrid. Madrid became the centre of political power. Between 1701 and 1714 the War of Spanish Succession raged with the Catalan nobility taking sides with the House of Habsburgs, one of the most important royal houses in Europe against the Bourbon King Philip I, King of Spain and grandson of King Louis XIV of France. This had huge consequences for the Catalan region and it lost all of its autonomy. However all was not lost as from the 18th century onwards, Barcelona and the Catalan region became an important industrial centre, continuing to prosper. For a short few years from 1812 Barcelona was incorporated into the First French Empire. This ended following the defeat of Napoleon. 

20th Century

In July 1936 civil war broke out in Spain which resulted in repeated bombing on Barcelona. Several thousand of citizens died and were injured. The bombings were ordered by General Franco annoyed by the resistance of the people of Catalan. Franco ensured any autonomous agencies or institutes were abolished including the Catalan language that was forbidden in public. During this period Barcelona saw a huge influx of people from poorer regions of Spain; Andalucia, Murcia and Galicia. The population increase put huge pressure on the city that lacked the resources and housing. The city expanded at an enormous rate enveloping local towns and villages. 

Barcelona following Franco’s death in 1975 has been reborn. A new lease of life has spread over the city allowing the people of Catalan the freedom to explore and live their culture and language. The city has modernised becoming a major tourist destination. I have been fortunate to explore many of the sites leading from the ancient past to modern day Barcelona. This is but a brief history and it is recommended to delve deeper into the history of the city and many of its beloved and not so loved characters. Certainly a colourful history, a new city built over an old, carrying its secrets of the ancient past. 

Roman City of Barcino (Barcelona)