Menorca History

Menorca's history is a patchwork quilt of conquests, occupations and political skulduggery due to its enviable position in the middle of the Mediterranean.   

Mahón harbour, on the east of the island, is the second deepest natural inlet in the world and countless battles have been fought over its ownership.  Literally every major European civilisation that you can think of has left its cultural and archaeological mark on this, the second largest of the Balearic Islands.  The Romans, Moors, English (3 times), Vandals, French and, heaven forbid, the Spanish have all left their mark on Menorca. 

Below is a brief summary of key dates during Menorca's history that you may find of interest.

• 1800 BC  Initial bronze era
•   750 BC  Age of the iron
•   123 BC  Roman conquest
•   454 AD  Vandals raids
•   535 AD  Byzantine conquest
•   903 AD  Muslim conquest and end of ancient history
• 1287 AD  Christian conquest of Alfonso III from Aragón
• 1558 AD  Looting of Ciutadella by the Turks
• 1712 AD  1st British period, R.Kane, governor
• 1756 AD  French domain; foundation of Sant Lluís
• 1763 AD  2nd British period; foundation of Georgetown (Es Castell)
• 1798 AD  3rd British period
• 1847 AD  Beginning of the construction of the Fort of The Mola
• 1956 AD  Beginning of the current tourist boom (urbanization of Cala'n Porter); first regular flight London/Mahón

Why not take a look at our "Menorca History" image gallery.