SPAIN IN giving a short sketch of Spanish history, it cannot be expected that we should enter into any minute details. Our limits would scarcely contain a simple enumeration, in chronological order, of the many important events which have contributed, at various periods, to influence the face of this country. We shall content ourselves, therefore, with a brief statement of the different revolu tions through which it has passed, with occasional obser vations upon its agricultural, commercial, and political state. With this view, the history of Spain may be di vided into six periods.
I. Its state prior to the irruption of the northern na tions.
II. While under the dominion of the Goths.
III. While subject to the :Moors.
IV. While under the dynasty of Austria ; and V. While governed by the Bourbons.
With respect to the first period, we shall pass over the fabulous legends of Berosus, who traces the origin of its inhabitants to Tubal, the fifth son ofJaphet, and gives a long line of descendants, who reigned in Spain for seve ral centuries. But whoever were the aborigines of this country, they are generally known in ancient history under the name of Iberians; and it is also ascertained that the Celts or Gauls, at a very early period, had formed numerous settlements to the west of the Ebro, and had become so blended with the inhabitants by intermarrying and living together, that they obtained the designation of Celtiberians.
The Greeks and Phoenicians had also planted colonies in the maritime districts, but neither of these nations penetrated into the interior, contenting themselves with the command of the sea, for the purpose of commerce, which they were allowed to hold without molestation from the inhabitants, who were glad to benefit by their trade, while they enjoyed in peace and tranquillity the produce of their own lands. This state of amity was at last interrupted by the Phoenicians, who having built the city of Gades, now Cadiz, were desirous of extending their authority over the neighbouring territory. The Spaniards, alarmed at the growing prosperity of the new city, collected their forces, and would soon have driven out the intruders, had not the Phoenicians invited the Carthaginians to their assistance, who, furnishing them with powerful succours, not only repulsed the Spaniards, but obtained the greater part of the province.
This expedition formed the commencement of the Car thaginian power in Spain. Elated with their success, and delighted with the richness of the country, and the valuable mines of gold and silver which it contained, they contemplated the conquest of the whole peninsula. For a time, however, their arms made very little progress against its warlike inhabitants, who defended themselves with great bravery and resolution, till the whole power of Carthage was directed to their subjugation. During
nine years of incessant hostility, the Carthaginians penetrated into the very heart of the country, when their general, Hamilcar, was killed in a general engage ment with the Vettones. His successor, Asdrubal, car ried his victorious arms as far as the Ebro ; and, in order to secure his conquests, built the city of New Carthage, which afterwards became one of the most considerable cities in the world.
These successes excited the jealousy of the Romans, who could not behold without alarm the rapid advance of their rivals to the entire dominion of such a country as Spain. They, therefore, willingly listened to the re quest of the Saguntines, who had implored their protec tion, and interposing in their behalf, prevailed upon the Carthaginian general to enter into a treaty, in which it was stipulated that the Carthaginians should not pass the Ebro, and that the Saguntines and other Grecian colonies should enjoy their ancient rights and privileges. No violation of this treaty occurred during the life of Asdrubal ; but extending his conquests in other direc tions, he, either by force or persuasion, established the dominion of Carthage over the finest provinces of Spain. A few years after, however, he fell by the hands of an assassin ; and no sooner had Hannibal succeeded to the command of the Carthaginian army, than he made pre parations for the siege of Saguntum. Though this city was situated within the Carthaginian territory, it was ex pressly excepted by treaty from all hostilities ; but Han nibal promised himself many advantages from its reduc tion. It was a key by which the Roman army could easily enter into Spain ; and its possession would serve as a bar rier against their future encroachments. This colony also was immensely rich, and he expected to find in it treasure sufficient to defray the expenses of a premedi tated war against that rival power. The Saguntines, however, bravely defended themselves for eight months ; and every inch of ground was disputed with undaunted resolution. Being at last reduced to great extremity by the scarcity of provisions, and having no prospect of as sistance from the Romans, the principal senators col lected in the market place their richest effects, and the contents of the public treasury, and having set fire to the pile, threw themselves into,Ithe midst of it, and perished in the flames. Many of the inhabitants soon after fol lowed their example ; and the rest, making a sally on the besiegers, were all put to the sword.