The Iberian Peninsula, located in southwestern Europe, has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were the Iberians, a group of indigenous peoples who are thought to have originated in the eastern part of the peninsula. Over time, the area was conquered and settled by a number of different groups, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans.
During the Middle Ages, the Iberian Peninsula was divided into several smaller kingdoms, the most powerful of which were Castile and Aragon. In 1469, these two kingdoms were united through the marriage of their rulers, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, laying the groundwork for the modern state of Spain.
In the early modern period, the Iberian Peninsula was a center of global trade and exploration, and the Spanish Empire expanded rapidly, colonizing parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the peninsula experienced significant political and economic changes, including the rise of liberal and nationalist movements.
Today, the Iberian Peninsula is divided into two independent countries: Spain and Portugal. Both countries are members of the European Union, and they are important global economic and cultural powers.
Genetics
In general, it is thought that people from Spain and Portugal have a genetic profile that is predominantly European, with some influence from other regions such as Africa and Asia. Like other European populations, the Iberian genetic profile is influenced by a mixture of various groups, including Iberians, Celts, Romans, and Moors, as well as more recent immigrants from other parts of Europe and the world.
However, it is important to note that there is a great deal of variation within the Iberian population, and the genetic admixture of any individual person will depend on their specific ancestry and family history. Additionally, genetics is a complex and rapidly-evolving field, and our understanding of the genetic makeup of different populations is constantly changing.
