History Of Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura History |
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| The entire archipelago of the Canary Islands was first inhabited by primitive pagan people, long before the first Europeans set foot on the islands. Guanches is the name that the Canarians gave their ancestors, even though literally this name only refers to the tribe that lived on the island of Tenerife. The tribe that used to live in Fuerteventura also has its own name which is still being used today: Mahorero . Mahorero is a word that originated from mahos which is a goatskin shoe that the original inhabitants used to wear. It is believed that the first people who lived here on the Canary Islands came from the nearby North Africa. It is due to the analysis of prehistoric founds and remains as well as similarities in the languages that today we can be nearly certain that this is true. In former times the island of Fuerteventura had a lush flora and fauna with countless types of vegetation and plant-life, although today there is little left. This could be one reason why Fuerteventura was known as Herbania. Another and more likely reason for its ancient name could be that the name Herbania had its origins in the Berber word bani which means wall . Back in this era there was a low wall stretching from the east coast to La Pared and divided the island into two kingdoms. The in north and south parts divided island was ruled by Guize and Jandia (in the north) as well as Ayoze (in the south). As of the polygamous society back then, every woman had around three husbands. Local products such as cheese, goats, fish, etc. were used to prepare food and tools. People back then lived in caves and dwellings. Today we managed to discover some of them which also still housed tools and pottery which can be seen in the islands museums. Several of these caves can also be visited - a must for history fans. Pagan rituals and ceremonies were believed to be held on the islands highest mountains, such as the Mount Tindaya, which is an indication of how spiritual and religious these people have been. On top of the Mount Tindaya religious symbols and engravings were found that proof this theory. The island's first capital was the town of Betancuria which is located in the west of the island. It was here where the first people - the Guanches - settled down. It became an important settlement although today there are only a few hundred people living here. Those interested in prehistoric remains should visit the Archaeological Museum that is located here. Much later, in the early 15th century, the cathedral was built. It represents some Moorish influences and features a wonderful choir stall with beautiful paintings. Another point of interest here is the Museum of Sacred Art and the Mirador de Morro Velosa - a viewpoint only a short distance to the north of the town. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the Ocean, the coastline and the island of Fuerteventura. |   |