The Romans could acquire a complete control over the Iberian Peninsula only in the year 17 B.C., after they fought with the Iberians, Carthaginians and Celts for over hundred years. This final occupation of Iberia was achieved by Roman Emperor Augustus. The Roman Empire included the heads of the local tribes in the Roman courts, giving them freedom to control their respective tribal groups. During the Roman occupation, several developments occurred around the region of contemporary Spain. These developments included the building of cities of contemporary Spain like Valencia, Merida, Tarragona and Zaragoza.

The construction of roads and bridges throughout the Roman Empire gave a boost to the economy, as transportation of goods became easier. There were several economical reforms that were carried out by Julius Caesar and Augustus that further gave a push to the economy. The Romans set up metallurgical businesses and sourced major metals like copper along with precious metals from Spain to use in making weapons and ornaments that were produced for the Roman Empire and other markets outside the state. The other source of income for the Romans in Iberia was the increased agricultural produce, which was a result of the construction of irrigation systems like canals and reservoirs which provided continuous water to the crops.

The Romans lost control over Spain step by step during the beginning of the fifth century, and in the second decade of the same century, the Visigoth dynasty took complete control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Visigoth Empire lasted for few centuries and was less influential than the Romans. Due to this fact, the culture and language in Spain during their rule remained less affected keeping the earlier Roman effect intact. The Visigoth Kings were more interested in filling their coffers rather than making developments in their kingdom. The formation of the cities like Luceo, Olite, Reccopolis and Victoriacum were an exception.

The Visigoths had a unique Code of Law that they implemented in ancient Spain, which unfortunately was washed out from Spain after the fall of their empire. They were well know for preserving historical records and also maintained the earlier Roman establishments in Iberia. The prime aspect that influenced the region of Spain about the Visigoths was their architecture which spread mainly after several centuries in different parts of Europe as gothic architecture.

By the end of the seventh century, the Visigoths’ army had weakened, as the soldiers mainly included slaves who were trained to fight in the battles. Also, the King did not have direct control over the army and needed the permission of the nobles’ council to give orders to the army. The Visigoth Empire was finally raided by African Arabs in the dawning years of the eighth century. These Arabs also killed King Rodrigo of the Visigoths, which eventually resulted in the end of the Visigoth Empire.