Historic Javea, History of Javea

The town dates from the Roman conquest of the Iberian penninsular in 219-201 BC although there is evidence of habitation before that time such as that found in the Cave of Montgo and on the Cabo de Nao dating back as far as 16,000 BC.
Various pieces of gold and silver treasure were found in 1904 in the area where the Javea Golf Club is now situated and these are dated back to 200-300 BC.

The Romans brought with them organisation of agriculture and built many villas in the fertile valley formed by the river Xaló or Gorgos, grape growing for wine was the principal crop and many vines are still grown in the area today although Teulada is probably now more important in this respect.
Closer to the sea there were manufacturing areas at La Duana, La Punta del Arenal-Montañar and Portitxol Island.
Amphorae which were large vessals were manufactured to store and distribute wine and a fish extract made by salting fish in shallow pools evaporating and concentrating in the sunlight.

The Iberian penninsular was conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century and they continued to farm the area growing vines, almonds and fig trees.
The Christians conquest of Dénia in May 1224 ended this period which gave the names to many places in area; L’Atzúvia, El Rafal, Els Benimadrocs, and the name of Xàbia seem to be of Arab origin.
Javea town owes its development to the medieval Christians in the 14th Century The valley was burnt in 1304 by an invasion of North African ships and as a result of this the town was fortified this work being largely complete by 1308
Javea and Denia vied for power during this period and Javea became more independent and took control of its own municipal area in 1396 and had its own council by 1403

During the 17th and 18th centuries the coast around was subject to attack by by pirates and fortresses and castles were built to protect it.
Ships were also used to protect the coastline.
By 1612 Javea had almost 2,000 inhabitants and was granted Villa or borough status.
In 1681 Jávea gained the right to impose its own tolls and taxes so the cost of fortification could be recovered.

There have been differences with the neighboring town of Denia during the 18th and 19th centuries both regarding borders and allegences Most recently during the war against France 1810-1812 Javea offered resistance to the French whilst Denia did not.
Javea has continued to prosper from the local fertility of the land where raisins, wheat, fruit and vegetables have grown.
The production of wine has also contributed to its properity and the development of the port offered work to fishermen and supporting trades.