Ibiza History

Ibiza history is filled with invasion and conquering, dating back to 645 BC when the Carthaginians discovered the island. They named the island Ibossim and founded Ibiza Town, making it one of the oldest towns in Europe. Visit Ibiza Town to explore what is a fascinating ancient city with a cheap flight to Ibiza from Jet2.com and read on to find out more about the island's exciting Ibiza history.

The Carthaginians were merchants and traders and so Ibiza, with its large harbour and strong city walls, quickly became an important trading centre, with salt as the island's most successful export. In 123 BC the Romans conquered the Balearic Islands and renamed Ibiza, Ebusus. Unlike many areas of Spain, Ibiza was not made part of the Roman Empire and managed to retain some of its independence.

• You can visit the Balearic Islands with daily cheap flights to Spain from Jet2.com.

Following the Romans, and from the 5th to 9th centuries, the Goths and Visigoths inhabited Europe and there is little historical record of Ibiza's fortunes. It is known however, that the island was invaded and conquered by peoples including the Vandals, the Barbarians and the Byzantines. Ibiza enjoyed a level of independence under Byzantine rule and improvements made at this time, to irrigation systems for example, are still evident today.

• Take a cheap flight to Ibiza to see an island of varied cultural influences. You will find many low cost flights to Spain online at Jet2.com.

For five hundred years in the 9th century, Ibiza was under Arab rule and the island still shows evidence of Arab influence. Houses constructed in the Arab style, traditional dress, musical influence and dialect all demonstrate the lasting effect the Arab rule had on Ibiza. Economic growth was also enjoyed by Ibiza at this time, with salt, fishing and agriculture all proving profitable for the island.

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1235 saw the conquering of Ibiza once again, this time by the Catalans, who tore down the Arab mosques and built cathedrals in their place. These are the cathedrals you will see when you visit modern day Ibiza. The Catalans renamed the villages of the island after Christian saints and constructed numerous churches, the oldest of which remain in Santo Eulalia, San Antonio, San Miguel and Saint Jordi. Most of the other churches you will see in Ibiza were built in the 18th century.

• View beautiful Catalan cathedrals and churches, by booking a low cost flight to Ibiza online at Jet2.com.

Italian architect Calvi completed Ibiza Town's walls in the 16th century and you can still see these walls today. Simply book a low cost flight to Ibiza online at Jet2.com and get ready to explore an island full of rich historical, architectural and cultural offerings.

Today's Ibiza is of course famed for its legendary nightlife and is renowned as the party island of Spain. So whether you are after a peaceful holiday in the sun, a party holiday with plenty of nightclubbing, or a holiday of discovery and exploration, Ibiza has something for everyone.

As well as cheap flights to Ibiza, Jet2.com offers numerous low cost flights to all the top Spanish holiday destinations. Take a look at what's on offer and then book your cheap flight to Spain online today!

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