History of Toledo

Spain is a wonderful place in which to spend a relaxing vacation. There are lots of cities in Spain which are worth visiting and one such place is Toledo, made famous by Spain's great writer Miguel Cervantes and the stories of the Manchego knight called Don Quixote. Toledo is situated near a plain which has a wonderful scenic beauty, and it is filled with wheat fields, olive groves, grape vines and fields. Toledo is on the rocky ridges of this beautiful plain. History of Toledo This city is an imperial city and was once very important, especially during the Roman period. Situated in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula, it became of great strategic importance during the early part of the Roman Era, but after the 6th century, when the power of the Roman Empire was reducing, the importance of the city also started reducing as a consequence. The Visigoth ruler, King Athanagild, who was in power at that time slowly moved his capital to Toledo from Seville. After this the center of Catholicism became Toledo. But then disputes and the feuds between the Romans and him were never ending which made this city prone to attack. Later, it was mainly the Muslims (Moors) who attacked this city and conquered the villa huren spanje very easily. From the eighth century to the eleventh century, the city of Toledo was completely under the rule of the Moors. During this period the city once again regained its importance. This was one of the most popular a d famous cities of Spain then. During the Moorish rule, the city was the center for learning as well as arts and was an epitome of peace. This was because a lot of people of various religions co-existed in this city. One could find Jews, Muslims and Christians in the city of Toledo.After this the city was conquered by Alfonso VI who made this place his residence and began the Castilian era in Toledo and the beginning of the Catholic rule. The Jews and the Muslims who were in this city were forced to convert to Catholicism. Those who did not agree to convert were expelled from the city and were sent to other places. During the 16th century, Carlos I wanted to make this place his capital city. But his successor was not happy with the idea and he made Madrid the capital city. This was when Toledo started experiencing a decline.