The history of Spain dates back to ancient times, with early settlements by the Iberians and Celts. The region was later influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, who established Hispania as a significant part of their empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths ruled until the Muslim conquest in the 8th century, leading to the establishment of the Al-Andalus territory. The Reconquista, a series of campaigns by Christian kingdoms, gradually reclaimed the Iberian Peninsula, culminating in the capture of Granada in 1492. This year also marked the beginning of Spain's global exploration, with Christopher Columbus discovering the Americas. The subsequent centuries saw Spain become a powerful empire, influencing culture, politics, and trade worldwide.