Linares
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History
The village was the old Cástulo, founded by the Greeks. It was a key place in mining and an important crossroads due to its location.
Thanks to its silver and lead mines, the village attracted the Oretans. Three hundred years later, the Carthaginians also occupied these lands.
In the same way, during Roman times its mines were worked to satisfy the needs of the Empire. The village was one of the most important places along the "Silver Road", which linked Cordoba and Cartago Nova. During this period, it became the first village in the Oretania, with a great mining and agricultural importance and a flourishing trade.
The present village owes its name to a quiet spot, near Castulo, which belonged to the army, called Linarium. Wars and invasions finished with Castulo and the population took refuge in the mining hills, passing to Baeza's jurisdiction.
King Fernando III reconquered the village in 1227. It already had its present name and it was given its own Council. There were constant fights with Baeza, especially during the reign of Juan II. .
King Carlos V granted Village charter in thanks for its efforts to eradicate the outlaws from these lands.
Agriculture suffered a major setback at the end of the 18th century with the foundation of the new Sierra Morena colonization villages, as its municipal district decreased with the creation of La Carolina, Guarroman and Carboneros, forcing the people to live almost exclusively from the mining economy.
During the 19th century, the village started a period of economic growth with the work in its mines, reaching its peak during World War I, with some arms industries.
In 1875 it received the title of City.
Nowadays, the city lives not only from the mines but also from its numerous industries: car, electrochemical or food.
Eminent citizens
Palomo Linares, bullfighter.
Andrés Segovia, guitarist.
Pedro de Padilla, poet.
