Historical influences forging the rich tapestry of Portuguese culture

For much of its formative period, the lands which now form Portugal were occupied by foreign forces. Although occupiers always formed a small percentage of the population, each made a lasting impact on law, administration, arts, culture and knowledge. Each foreign influence continued over many centuries, leaving a profound impact: the Phoenicians/Carthaginians for over 1000 years, the Romans for nearly seven centuries, German influence for three centuries and Moorish influence for five centuries.

Each influence was felt for many generations - becoming deeply embedded in the very fabric of life. 1000 years of Roman culture meant around 50 generations living under Roman rules. Who knows about life before the Romans? In a fundamental sense, you are profoundly Roman.

Writing came from Phoenician traders soon after they developed the first alphabetic script c1000BC. The Romans made the greatest contribution to the language (together with the Phoenicians, the Celts and the Moors); to administration, urban planning and jurisprudence. Under both the Romans and the Visigoths, the influence of the Catholic Church grew. The Moors introduced cultivation of a wide variety of crops new to Portugal and a distinct legacy in architecture, science and cuisine. The voyages of discovery in the 15^th and 16^th centuries brought influences from South America, Africa, India, Indonesia, China and Japan. Thus, the culture of 21^st century Portugal reflects global influences.