History Timeline of Tenerife
Look back to see when Tenerife was founded and who began to settle here.
BC
200 BC
The Canary islands are settled by a tribe of unknown origin (possibly Berber) which later became known as the Guanches.
25 BC
A Roman settler ship lands and names the islands after the local dogs they find (Canary coming from the Latin word 'canis' meaning dog. The islands are not, as most suppose, named after the birds found here).
AC
1339 - 1342
Spanish boats are launched to find the islands.
1404 - 1406
French Baron Jean de Bethencourt attempts to capture the islands but is turned back by strong resistance on La Gomera, Gran Canaria and La Palma.
1478 - 1488
Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain order the conquest of the Canary Islands. Juan Rejon lands on Gran Canaria a move which leads to five years of bitter fighting.
1494
Alonso Fernandez de Lugo begins the final push to take the islands and a bloody battle in the Orotava valley, Tenerife leads to the final fall of Guanches and their way of life is lost. Most are sold into slavery.
21st. and 24th. July 1797
Lord Nelson suffers a rare defeat as he fails to capture Santa Cruz from the Spanish. Nelson loses his right arm in the attack. For more information about the attack visit here.
1852
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is declared a free-trade zone. It soon becomes one of the busiest ports in the world.
The Last Century
1936
General Francisco Franco is posted to Tenerife. He begins a conspiracy which leads to the Spanish civil war.
1960s
Package Tourism begins on the Island.
1977
The worst air disaster in history happens at Los Rodeos airport in the North when extreme foggy conditions leads to a collision between two full jumbo jets. Over 500 people die.
1982
The Canaries are given autonomy by the post-Franco regime.
1989
The Canary Islands, as part of Spain become members of the EC.
 |
 |
.jpg) |
.jpg) |