Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Culture
According to legend, Lisbon was founded by Ulysses after he left Troy to escape the Greek
coalition. However, it is most likely that the city was founded by the Phoenicians, gaining
its name from 'Olissipo' which comes from the Phoenician words 'Allis Ubbo', meaning
'enchanting port'. Throughout the Roman era, the city changed hands numerous times and
had become a notable Christian centre, until it was taken by Muslim force in 711, begin-
ning 450 years of Moors rule.
The crusader knights reconquered the city in the mid-12
th
Century, leading to significant
expansion and in the mid-13
th
Century Lisbon became Portugal's capital. Throughout the
Age of Discovery, Lisbon became a European hub of commerce and grew in prosperity,
mainly thanks to Vasco de Gama's sea route to India. A devastating earthquake in 1755,
completely destroyed the city, leading to a total reconstruction of the city centre by Mar-
quise de Pombal which still stands today. Since then, Lisbon has continued to grow and has
played host to numerous sporting, cultural, and international events.
