3000 YEARS OF IBIZA HISTORY IN ONE PAGE.

The first settlers on Ibiza arrived 3000 years ago but in 654 B.C. the Carthaginians discovered the island and called the two islands of Ibiza and Formentera, the Pitiusas – the ‘Pine-covered island’.
The Romans swung by in 123 B.C. and called it Ebusus. Roman gates are still at the entrance to Dalt Vila (the Old Town in Ibiza Town) and in Santa Eulalia.
There’s a Roman bridge at the entrance to the town – which you’ll be glad to know has been restored since.
After being invaded by all sorts including The Barbarians (known today as “The English”), the Arabs had a go and stayed for 500 years. But in 1235, it was the Catalans’ turn (from the Spanish Mainland) who tore down the Arab mosque and built the present day Cathedral on its foundations. However, the Catalans’ watch was neglectful, and this attracted plundering pirates. So, in the 16th century, the construction of the walls and towers of Ibiza Town was completed to repel these Jolly-Jack Skull and Crossboners – the same walls you can see today. When a pirate ship was spotted, the nearest tower would be lit, which could be seen by the next one, which lit a fire too, until the whole island was ablaze, so everyone could run screaming to the nearest church for safety.
Today, all sorts of people from many different countries continue to invade the island, take what they want and go back. So the locals have become pretty tolerant with a “seen it all before” attitude. They are used to being invaded and over the years they’ve become pretty good at getting what they want as well.