Our story starts in the 3rd century BC, though archaeological evidence reveals that the region was first inhabited as early as the Neolithic period. Legend has it that the father of the Carthaginian general Hanibal, the sworn enemy of the Romans, famous for crossing the Alps with elephants, was the founder of the city. The story of Hamilcar Barca might explain the name of the city as Barcino, but the historical truth seems to be different. Barcelona was founded by the Romans towards the end of the 1st century BC. Its name was long… Try memorizing Colonia Faventia Julia Augusta Pia Barcino! It was surrounded by defensive walls that survived until the present day and served mostly as a military camp, a castrum, that held control of the surrounding region. The current Plaça Sant Jaume was home to the city’s Forum which evolved into a vital centre of Barcelona during the Middle Ages as well.