To say that the region has a rich and eventful ancient history would be an understatement.

Megalithic culture - 4500 to 1500BC First major culture to appear in Galicia. Noted for capacity for construction and architecture. Remains of 1000's of dolmens (type of tomb) found throughout the region, date to this period.

BRONZE AGE - 1500 TO 700BC DEVELOPMENTS IN METALLURGY LED TO INCREASED TRADE WITH EUROPEAN ATLANTIC.

Iron Age/Celtic Culture - 800 to 500BC Fusion of cultural forms derived from the Bronze Age and earlier. Celts brought new influences. This period also sees the development of caestros - circular hilltop fortified areas with concentric walls, and a moat.

Roman Empire - 137-136BC Roman Legions enter the region under Decimus Junius Brutus, although the province remained only superficially Romanised by the time of Augustus (63BC - 14AD).

GERMANIC INVASIONS - 410AD FOLLOWING THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE C. 410AD, GALICIA FELL TO THE SUEVI (OR SUEBI), A GERMANIC TRIBE, WHO FORMED THE FIRST POST-ROMAN MEDIEVAL KINGDOM TO BE CREATED IN EUROPE.

VISIGOTHS - 584AD THE VISIGOTHIC KING LEOVIGILD INVADED THE SUEVIC KINGDOM OF GALICIA IN 584AD.

Moorish Influence - 711 to 718AD The Moors took over much of Hispania, but failed to gain real control over Galicia. In 739AD Alfonso I of Asturias drove the Moors out and Galicia was assimilated into the Kingdom of Asturias.

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela In 835AD, the relics of the Apostle St James were found in Galicia. Santiago became the 'Mecca' for the christian world. The pilgrimage route through Galicia helped to spread European culture throughout the region.