Rediscovering Europe: How Spain Became Spain

Spain, known as a powerful country, has been recovering lost territory for more than a thousand years? Why did an empire on which the sun never sets rise to its peak and then decline? Cervantes' drama had already predicted this? Spanish people are passionate, but their rulers are Machiavellian? It is said that Spain has developed transportation, but at one time they could only ride donkeys when going out? Harsh environment and historical wars, what exactly shaped Spain? Renowned historian Jeremy Black uses concise language and rich materials to tell the unknown history of Spain. From the small border countries in ancient Rome who fought bloody battles against the royal power, to the maritime empires in the Age of Discovery, to the revolutionary vanguards who opposed dictators in the 20th century. This book takes the intertwined influence of famous historical events on reality as the main line. From the perspectives of environment, population, politics, economy, food and life, etc., This book deeply depicts the whole picture of Spanish history, and travels freely during 2500 years. This book helps us understand how a former maritime supremacy, a cradle of revolution, and today's artistic power took shape.