Short history notes

There is evidence of settlements in Alcúdia in ancient times. The first archaeological remains found date back to the pre-talaiotic period (2000 BC - 1200 BC). Many talaiots, megalithic constructions which give their name to the talaiotic culture (1200 BC - 123 BC), can be found in the area. The Talaiotic settlement of Son Simó stands out among the remaining settlements.

Roman Consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus incorporated Mallorca into the Roman Empire in 123 BC and founded the cities of Pol·lèntia and Palma.
The archaeological remains of the city of Pol·lèntia, located on the outskirts of Alcúdia, reflect the economic prosperity that encouraged the growth of the city, with stately homes, a theatre, shops and other public and private buildings. The barbarian invasions in the 5th century plunged Pol·lèntia into a process of decadence and destruction. According to evidence found in the archaeological sites, the Vandals plundered the city between the years 425 AD and 455 AD.

In 902, the Arabs conquered Mallorca and annexed the island to the Cordoba Caliphate. In 1015 it became part of the Taifa of Dénia. During Muslim rule (902-1229), Alcúdia was a farmstead located between the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença. The name of Alcúdia (the hill) and other place names such as Guinyent, Biniatria, Gatamoix or Alcanada are the only marks left of the Muslim rule.

After the incorporation of Mallorca to the Crown of Aragon in 1229, King Jaume I divided the island into eight parts: four of them belonging to the King and the remaining four to the noblemen who had helped in the conquest. Most of the territories of Pollença and Alcúdia were given to the Order of the Templars, Guillem de Montcada and Vicent de Portugal. Their first settlement was located around the farm of Guinyent. Quite possibly there was already a settlement there before the conquest. Photo of Santa Anna

Roman Consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus annexed Mallorca to the RomanRepublic in 123 BC and founded the cities of Pol·lèntia and Palma. In time, King Jaume II established the construction of the town on the Muslim farmstead of Alcúdia and located the parish there in 1298. For this reason he bought a house, a plot of land to build the quartera (where the wheat was sold) and the square and another plot of land to build the parish, the rectory and the graveyard. He chose Sant Jaume as the town’s patron saint.

The first city walls were built between 1298 and 1362. The walls defended both the town and the North of the island.

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