Aragon: history, culture, and regional significance

Aragon, Spain

The region of Aragon can be found in the north-eastern part of Spain. This history-rich place is composed of three principal cities: Huesca, Teruel, and the region's capital, Zaragoza ("Guide to Aragon in Spain," n.d., par. 1).

Brief History of Aragon

As early as the 9th century, there were already recognized inhabitants of the area which gave rise to the Country of Arago. For a time, it was under the Kingdom of Pamplona, but was emancipated in the 11th century. The region acted against Phillip V during the War of Spanish Succession. After the battle of Almansa in 1707, Aragon became a province and its Council was absorbed into the Council of Castile (SiSpain Website, n.d.).

Zaragoza, Aragon's capital boasts a long history of battles, conquests, and re-conquests. Zaragoza settlement started in 5th century BC as an Iberian settlement. Nine centuries later it was claimed as a Roman territory. Zaragoza, as a territory, was later captured by the Muslims form the Roman empire. Zaragoza's rule was taken away from the Muslims by a Christian king, Alfonso I in 1118. He also renamed the city to Kingdom of Aragon. The city expanded significantly during 16-17th centuries. In the 20th century, Zaragoza gained its democracy and became an Autonomous Community (Zaragoza City Guide, n.d.).

The Iberian settlement of Osca functioned as the headquarters of Quintus Sertorius, a rebel who maintained his independence from Rome from almost a decade. After the expulsion of Moors, Huesca became the capital of Aragon from 1096 to 1118. Huesca was later conquered by French troops during the Napoleonic war while it experienced two years of bitter fights during the Spanish Civil War (Planetware Website, n.d.).

Teruel was also significant during the Spanish Civil War as it was a key battleground. The famous Battle of Teruel during the 1937 can be considered one of the harshest characterized by massive bombings and counterattacks (SiSpain Website, n.d.).

Aragon Culture

Aragon is known for its beautiful architecture, particularly the Mudejar architecture which was extended in Teruel in 2001. This art reflects the conditions that prevailed in Spain after Reconquista, particularly its social, political, and cultural happenings. It is considered to be a World Heritage site (World Heritage Site, n.d.).