Jaen first emerges from history
at the time of the Iberian culture. The
first inhabitants established their settlements
throughout the Guadalquivir Valley, during
the first millennium before Christ. The
archaeological sites of Jaen, Huelma and
Porcuna indicate a prosperous civilization,
well versed in agricultural skills. Greeks,
Phoenicians and Carthaginians all left their
mark. The Romans, attracted by the rich
mining possibilities, founded new towns
such as Castulo (Linares) or Iliturgi (Andujar).
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In 712, Jaen becomes Arab terrain. From then
on it will be known as Geen or Xauen which means
"place for caravans passing through".
Their legacy was strongly felt in a large number
of the towns which had previously belonged to
Rome. In 1212 the Christian troops of Castille,
vanquished the Saracen troops in the Battle of
las Navas de Tolosa. And so ended another stage
of the Reconquest. Years later, in 1246, King
Alhamar handed over the city of Jaen to Fernando
III. In 1492, the Reconquest and the discovery
of the New World now over, Jaen began a century
of remar-kable splendour, especially in the historic
towns of Ubeda and Baeza. The nobility of this
epoch transferred their residences here, constructing
sumptuous palaces in late Gothic and Renaissance
styles. Baeza even had its own university.
In the middle of the 18th Century, the illustrious
monarch Carlos III focused his attention on the
north of Jaen and created the New Settlements
of the Sierra Morena, whose capital since then
has been proudly represented by La Carolina. Pablo
de Olavide was commissioned Superintendent of
this new colony of inhabitants consis-ting of
men and women from Central Europe. At the beginning
of the 19th Century, the War ofIndependence once
again accentuates the strategic importance of
Jaen. In 1808 General Castaños' s troops
defeat Dupont' s French army in the Battle of
Bailen.
The administrative and territorial division in
1833 establishes Jaen as the capital of the Province.
The following decades are difficult. Only Linares
and La Carolina stand out for their mining activity,
linked to the extraction of lead. The Civil War
in 1936 deepens the depression. The post-war period
fails to bring better times. Finally, in the 60s,
an economic peak is perceived in the north of
the province. The arrival of democracy brings
with it the creation of an incipient business
sector in the most populated towns. At the same
time, agricultural systems in rural zones are
undergoing modernization. The olive sector experiences
its sweetest moments and the tourism industry
acquires major importance. Jaen becomes a city
of administration and service industries. The
University of Jaen, created in 1995 contributes
greatly to the modernity and progress of its province.
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