From Roman times to the present day Spain has occupied a significant role in the evolution of our Western world. This book highlights the notable trends intellectual & social of each particular era in its history. The imposition of Roman rule created the notion of Hispania as a single entity. Chapters on the Visigoth monarchy Moorish Spain the establishment an empire the eighteenth-century Enlightenment all chart the political & economic development of Spain but also emphasize the extraordinary & diverse artistic & literary achievements of the Spanish people within this one country at these different times. Moving on to the nineteenth century we read of the rise of liberalism & of its fall which ushered in a period of disarray leading to the Civil War & authoritarian rule. Today Spain is a fully integrated & enthusiastic member of the European community.