Portugal's name derives from Roman-Celtic place name Portus Cale. Region inhabited since 5500 BC, with Celtic and Iberian peoples arriving. Romans conquered peninsula in 219 BC, followed by Germanic and Alanic rule. Muslims conquered mainland in 8th century, gradually expelled by Reconquista
Renaissance in Italy and Europe led to important scientific discoveries. Copernicus proposed heliocentric universe, challenging Ptolemy's theory. Galileo invented thermometer and made significant scientific contributions. Copernicus published his theory of Sun-centered universe in 1543
House named after Habsburg Castle built in 1020s by Radbot of Klettgau. Rudolph I became King of Romans in 1273, establishing Austrian rule. Family split into Albertinian and Leopoldian lines in 1379. Frederick III became Holy Roman Emperor in 1452
Western Roman Empire's collapse led to Germanic kingdoms' rise. Franks established vast territories in France and Germany. Eastern Roman Empire expanded under Emperor Justinian. This century is considered least documented in Dark Ages
Arabs conquered North Africa and Iberian Peninsula by mid-century. Byzantine Empire defeated Arabs at Siege of Constantinople in 717-718. Battle of Tours in 732 halted Muslim advance into Western Europe. Abbasid Caliphate established in Baghdad in 750
Hundred Years' War ended with French victory at Battle of Castillon. Wars of the Roses began in England, ending with Henry VII's victory. Constantinople fell to Ottoman Turks, marking end of Byzantine Empire. Renaissance began with Gutenberg's printing press invention. Western Schism divided Catholic Church until Council of Constance