Why Is Ceuta Spanish If It's in Africa?
Ceuta is in Africa, yet it is Spanish. The explanation lies not in a conquest, but in a decision the city made when Portugal broke away from the Spanish Crown.
Spain Did Not Conquer Ceuta
It is a widely held belief, but it is not correct. Spain did not conquer Ceuta.
To understand why the city is Spanish, you have to look at Portugal. Its history begins as a Portuguese city, not a Spanish one.
1415: Portugal Conquers Ceuta
On 21 August 1415, Portugal conquered Ceuta. From that moment on, the city became part of Portuguese territory.
For more than two centuries, Ceuta was a Portuguese city. Spain had yet to play any role in its history.
1580: Portugal and Spain Share a King
In 1580, an important change took place. Portugal and Spain came to share the same king.
Ceuta remained Portuguese territory. But its king was now the same as Spain's.
1640: Portugal Breaks Away and Ceuta Does Not Follow
On 1 December 1640, Portugal broke away and proclaimed John IV as its king. Its entire empire recognised the new monarch.
All of it, except Ceuta. It was the only Portuguese territory that did not accept John IV. The city chose to remain with the Spanish Crown.
This is the key point. Ceuta did not move. It was Portugal that left.
1668: The Treaty of Lisbon Makes It Official
The separation was followed by war between Spain and Portugal.
On 13 February 1668, the Treaty of Lisbon brought that conflict to an end. It also officially placed Ceuta in Spanish hands.
The Answer in a Nutshell
Ceuta is Spanish because, when Portugal broke away, the city stayed with the King of Spain.
Ceuta did not become Spanish through conquest. It became Spanish by not changing kings.
Frequently asked questions
Did Spain conquer Ceuta?
No. Ceuta was conquered by Portugal on 21 August 1415 and remained Portuguese for more than two centuries.
Why didn't Ceuta follow Portugal in 1640?
When Portugal broke away and proclaimed John IV as king, Ceuta was the only Portuguese territory that did not accept him. It preferred to remain with the Spanish Crown.
When did Ceuta officially become part of Spain?
On 13 February 1668, with the Treaty of Lisbon. That treaty ended the war between Spain and Portugal and officially placed Ceuta in Spanish hands.
What was the relationship between Spain and Portugal before 1640?
From 1580, Portugal and Spain shared the same king. That is why Ceuta, although Portuguese, had the same king as Spain.
Informative article written with the help of AI tools from the verified script of the video. The video is in Spanish.