**Re-edited version, end of Sept 2023**

On the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, touching the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean lies a nation with a proud history that influenced Europe and the rest of the world.

Known as Portucale by Ancient Romans (which gave rise to its modern name), the country of Portugal - and its island groups - are fantastic wonders to behold.

You'd recognize this country for its rich culture incorporating fado music, world-famous Port wine, beautiful golden beaches, or even as the home of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

But the Portugal of today carries within its soil the history of bygone eras, one that you can trace back to prehistoric times - there's a reason it's one of Europe's oldest countries.

Its earliest settlers left traces of paleolithic human civilizations in caves and rock shelters.

And later, the Ancient Romans erected their cities, the ruins of which you can still find dotting the country.

But that's not all: this nation was also home to some big-name houses and families which were crucial in influencing Europe's geopolitics during medieval and contemporary times.

And if you've got that itch of curiosity to satisfy your hunger for Portugal's history, you've come to the right place.

Taking you on a fantastic journey, here's what awaits you within this book:

• The traces and settlements of prehistoric humans that inhabited Portugal's geographical landscape
• Under the banner of the Roman Empire - find out the beginnings and ends of the Roman Empire, along with involvements of the Celtic, Visigothic, and Moorish peoples
• The Portuguese Reconquista - explore the medieval military campaigns of the Christian kingdoms that laid the foundations of Portugal's language and culture
• In the Age of Exploration and Discovery - climb aboard the golden age of Portuguese navigators, voyagers, and seafarers responsible for mapping the New World
• Portugal's independence, the Restoration war, and the political ambitions of the House of Braganza
• Overthrowing of the monarchy and declaration of the First Republic
• Machinations of dictators and the rise of a modern-day Portugal

And much more.

If you're a history buff - curious about the Portuguese language, its people, and its culture - or someone who wants to dive into this European treasure of history, then this book will be your perfect companion.

So, pack your bags, put on your best historian's hat, and start your time machine.

Portugal and its history await your arrival...