Ruta de la Plata

In ancient times, Carmona was one of the main centres of population in Andalusia. Its historical importance can be explained by the characteristics of the site on which it was founded. From its strategic position as a natural stronghold, the town controls the main routes of communication in the Guadalquivir Valley, as well as the three lands which constitute the basis for its resources: Los Alcores, Las Terrazas and La Vega.

Its municipal district was populated by groups of humans more than half a million years age. During the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages, the present-day town was inhabited by people who lived in round huts, made their implements out of hewn stone and stored their provisions in pottery made by hand, not turned on a wheel.

However, it was not until about the 9th century b.C. that the actual town came into existence. At that time, it was surely one of the most important city-fortresses in the Tartessian civilization. Proof of such can be found in its buildings and the splendid Saltillo glasses with oriental decoration. Literary sources speak of Turdetania as a prosperous, cultured region. The town even expanded during this period.

Judging by the bastion compound and the defensive moats of the city gate known as the Puerta de Sevilla, Carmona must have become an important Carthaginian enclave. It was such a feat of engineering that even Caesar was impressed by the result.

After the Roman conquest, Carmo became one of the most important districts in Bética (Andalusia), as its ramparts, gates (Puerta de Sevilla, Puerta de Córdoba), thermae and necropolis prove.

In the Moslem period, Qarmuna came to be one of the Kingdoms of Taifa. Its ramparts were remodelled, fortressses and mosques were built and new roads were opened.

After the Christian conquest, King Pedro I initiated new reforms in the city, modifying the two alcázares (fortresses). The Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla fortress was modified, while the Alcázar de Arriba (or the Alcázar del Rey Pedro) was built over the ruins of a Moslem palace.

In the Modern Age, Felipe IV granted Carmona the Title of City in 1630.