The Guadalquivir River has acted as a source of attraction for settlers since the earliest times.
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Seville is the scent of orange trees under blue skies, the religious devotion of the Easter processions, the joy of the Feria, the excitement of children during the parade of the Three Wise Men, the bars at night, a friendly conversation, the river, shops and streets, the barrios, the outlying areas, la Vega, el Aljarafe, las Marismas, la Campiña, the Southern and Northern Sierras, and Estepa. |
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Seville's origin dates back to the 8th century BC, the period when the extraordinary Tartessic culture - which is mentioned in the Bible - developed. Tartessian vessels reached the British Isles in search of tin and even ventured to the West coast of Africa. Commerce flourished with the Greeks and Phoenicians who founded prosperous factories and were later to influence the Turdetans who settled in the area from the 5th century. The battle of Ilipa in 206 BC saw Rome's victory over Carthage and led to seven centuries of Roman rule which left a deep imprint on Seville's personality. |