Portugal/Portuguese:
Development of a Nation How Portugal became
Portugal, and how the Portuguese became Portuguese.
How
the Portuguese as a people, and the country of Portugal as a nation-state,
evolved and materialized into current form, in terms of ancestral
bloodlines, the Portuguese language, borders, culture, and even how they
received their name.
Original inhabitants were of homogenous
European stock, before the development of perceived ethnic groups.
Those that inhabited the Iberian peninsula (modern Spain and
Portugal) became known as Iberians.
Celts intermixed with original Iberians during
Celt migration from about 500-250 BC, forming the majority of the
genetic composition of modern Portuguese people. Celts were
descendents of original inhabitants of central Europe which
developed the Celt language (sub-branch of Proto-Indo-European
language – the ancestor language of nearly all European languages)
and Celt culture.
Very minor genetic contribution in the south
from Greeks and Phoenicians (Carthaginians) who settled colonies
along the Mediterranean coast in ancient times.
During the Germanic invasions of the 5th
century, Germanic peoples (Visigoths in particular) become ruling
class, intermixing with the local Celtiberian population, making a
minor contribution to the Portuguese genetic composition.
Minor Arab contribution was made during Moor
invasions and occupation/presence from 711 to 1492, mostly present
in people of the south.
Politically developed into separate nation
than the rest of the Iberian peninsula (which would ultimately
become Spain) beginning in 11th century, achieving
independence by 1230. From this point forward, Portugal became a
distinct nationality, developing separately from Spain, although
still of the same genetic origin. Long-held colony of Brazil
features substantial Portuguese genetic contribution.
Summary: Genetic composition primarily
set between original Iberian population, and Celt immigrants by 250
BC. Minor genetic compositions made by Germanic and Arab invaders of
Medieval times. Politically separated from the rest of the peninsula
in the 11th century, developing into a separate nationality from the
Spanish.
After
Rome gained control of the Iberian Peninsula by 200 BC, the Roman
language of Latin became the dominant language in the region
comprising modern Portugal and Spain.
After the withdrawal of the Romans in 405,
variations of Latin peculiar to the Iberian Peninsula developed,
with various kingdoms and petty kingdoms throughout Iberia
developing their own dialects of this Iberian-Latin language.
The NW Iberian kingdom of Leon further
develops its own brand of “Iberian Latin”.
As Leon evolves into the independent nation of
Portugal, its language, which becomes known as Portuguese, becomes
the official language. Due to common origin to other Iberian Latin
dialects, it is very similar to Spanish to this day.
The County of Portugal declares independence
from Kingdom of Leon in 1095. Not officially recognized, but
operates independently.
During civil war, where Leon would become
enjoined with the Kingdom of Castile (Leon-Castile), Portugal
asserts independence, becoming officially recognized in 1230.
Later in the 13th century, the
Portuguese would continue to expand south, conquering lands from the
Muslim kingdoms, until achieving the modern Portuguese borders.
Region named by the Romans. Derived from the
Roman/Latin word for “port” (portus), and “cale” (Portucale). The
reasoning behind “port” is obvious, based on the fact that there are
several excellent sea ports along the coast of Portugal. It is unsure
what “cale” refers to.
Portugal and the rest of the Iberian peninsula were
very much Romanized during the years of Roman rule (ending in 405),
taking upon themselves the Latin language, and becoming fully immersed
in Roman rule of law with an emphasis on education. This broke down
during the barbaric Germanic invasions upon the decline and fall of the
Roman Empire. Portugal slowly developed an identity and culture unique
to the rest of the Iberian peninsula (as opposed to shared identity and
culture during Roman years).
By the 11th century, it had asserted independence,
being somewhat isolated along the western coast from the dominant petty
kingdoms in the heart of the Iberian peninsula. Portugal became reliant
upon papal authority, which supported an independent Portugal, beginning
a strong, Catholic tradition that pervades to this day.
The Catholic connection became further ingrained
during the Age of Exploration (beginning in the 15th century), with
Portugal at the forefront of the emerging European naval revolution, as
the pope defined and supported Portuguese monopolization of parts of
Africa, Asia and eastern South America (Brazil). With several excellent
ports, and a rapidly developing naval tradition, sea travel and
exploration became ingrained into Portuguese culture. Portuguese culture
was then exported throughout the world, as it became a colonial power.
Portuguese culture is still dominant in Brazil.
Economy: During 90s, offered
lower-cost manufacturing than most EU nations, producing growth rate
higher than the EU average. However, Eastern European nations that have
joined since have proven to be lower-cost producers, making Portugal
less competitive. As a result, it has experienced a growth rate below
the EU average since the 90s. Government: Democratic Republic. Religion: 84.5% Roman Catholic. Strong Catholic tradition which
is still in force today, long the official religion of the state. Low
percentage however attend church regularly. 6.5% atheist/agnostic,
fairly low compared to much of Europe. Demographics: Statistics not available, but very small minority
population. Vast majority (probably 80-90%) Portuguese Foreign Policy: Ceded last remaining colonies (Macau returned to
China in 1999, East Timor granted independence in 2002), ending
colonialism once and for all. Population: 10,676,910 (2008)
How
the Portuguese as a people, and the country of Portugal as a nation-state,
evolved and materialized into current form, in terms of ancestral
bloodlines, the Portuguese language, borders, culture, and even how they
received their name.
After
Rome gained control of the Iberian Peninsula by 200 BC, the Roman
language of Latin became the dominant language in the region
comprising modern Portugal and Spain.