Emily Kaufman
From Prehistoric times to the Catalan conquest, this new book by Emily Kaufman covers the entire early history of Ibiza. From the island's first emergence as a result of the geological upheavals of the Jurassic period, she takes us through to the conquest of the island by the Catalans in 1235, essentially the start of modern times.
Beginning with the first inhabitants of the island, she tells the story of human occupation of Ibiza and Formentera, taking in the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines and the high point of civilisation with the Moorish occupation. A special section deals with the religious practices of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, including a detailed investigation of such well-known deities as Bes, Baal-Hammon and Tanit.
All of this is described in the context of larger political events throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, the great events of the times which inevitably had an effect even on an island as remote as Ibiza was in times past.
This book is based upon a series of articles which appeared in the local English language newspaper, the IbizaNOW, and which proved to be extremely popular with the newspaper's diverse readership. It is an essential addition to the library of anyone who wants to know more about the history of Ibiza and Formentera.
Ibizaholidays review: "A brilliant, easy-to-read guide on how Ibiza formed and it's early history"
ISBN : 84-607-1188-9
D.L : B. 40.292-2000
"As the curator of the Ibiza and Formentera Archeological Museum, it is my pleasure to say that the historical writings of Ms. Kaufman will be of great interest to many readers. They are informative and have been carefully researched by means of interviews, frequent museum visits and supplementary written materials.
It is sad that in this day and age Ibiza is known only for its leisure aspects, when, in fact, a great wealth of historical and cultural heritage is waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, very few books have been written in English which could alert people to this aspect of the island. I am sure, however, that the more discerning traveller and/or history buff will be extremely interested to read Ms. Kaufman's articulate recounting of Ibiza's unsuspected past.
As a guardian of our ancient legacy, I am happy to see a book come out which, rather than taking a sensationalist approach, disseminates among our foreign visitors the knowledge of our distinguished historical and cultural roots."
Benjamí Costa
Curator, Ibiza Archaeological Museum
Ibiza, December 1999
