In antiquity, Spain was an important meeting place of cultures. Greeks and Phoenicians were attracted by its abundant metal deposits and trade opportunities. They established colonies along the Mediterranean coast which interacted with the native societies in a variety of ways, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. Later, Carthaginian and Roman armies fought over Spain in their efforts to control the Western Mediterranean. In late antiquity, the Byzantine Empire fought Visigoths for control of Spain before the Muslims took over in the 8th century CE. Each of these cultures had an impact on Spain and left their mark behind. This course explores the history of ancient Spain, the different cultures who lived there and their legacies.