Gibraltar: The History of the Rock Across 14 Sieges 

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Location: Gibraltar Status: Under siege, probably.

The Gibraltar Siege series is the Fast and Furious of European History

Hey, Hapsburg, why the long face?

As a Gibraltarian, thanks for doing this and bringing attention to our history... but yes, we are Gibraltarians not Gibraltans - but I’ll let you off 😉

The music in this is nuts haha. Wagner, Bizet, and most randomly Carol of the Bells... Very atmospheric but don’t think about it too hard haha

I'm spanish and it kinda hurts the fact of having British territory inside the peninsula. After watching this it's like, well, british well deserve it after defending it so harshly. I usually compare Gibraltar with Hong Kong. Why didn't the king of Spain just lease the rock for 100 years for example, I have the feeling that Spain is ruled by idi*ts lol. Anyways. After many years of experience living in this world, I've learnt that it's the people of each territory who decides where they want to belong. Gibraltar people voted to stay as a British overseas territory and Hong Kong people should be able to decide their status as well. Buuuuuuut sh*t happens

I would have thought that there would have been some mention of how important Gibraltar was during WW1 and WW2, especially during the Second World War.

"When the American Revolution broke out in 1765" Lexington and Concord occurred in 1775

Simon is probably the best host on RU-vid. Period.

So, a siege is like really overdue. Come on Spain? Your turn!!!

fun fact: possibly the last neanderthal clan/family lived at the foot of Gibraltar, completely isolated from their dying or extict race totally oblivious and surrounded by modern man.

"The marines distinguished themselves" nothing new there then

Gibraltar is lovely, only one complaint, when I visited it was raining... Damn British weather!

Liked the Obi-wan reference.

So these guys were playing king of the hill in real life...interesting.

Surprising that Geographics is doing a video on my homeland, also good timing since its our National day tomorrow im assuming its because of that, great video

I think that you forgot about the time that Bond ... that's James Bond ... repelled an, admittedly small scale, invasion of Gibraltar.

I never knew about this particular aspect of European history, very educational and enlightening video! I am amazed that the Rock of Gibraltar has managed to remain standing throughout these 14 sieges! Must have been one very tough rock!

I love Gib, I've been to so many places in the world but Gibraltar really has something special about it.

🇬🇧 Gibraltar is rightfully British clay 🇬🇮

"...by driving long iron spikes into the barrels." Simon, correct, kind of. They drove the spikes into the touch holes. Where the fuse or powder train goes. They are VERY difficult to remove, without an armorer. steve

I'm from Tangier ... I've been to Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands .. never sat foot in the Rock of Gibraltar or "Jabal Tariq" !! After all this Covid -19 is behind us I will visit the rock..

They gave us Menorca back but if you go there for holidays, it feel like Ramsgate

Great great video! Being born and raised in Gibraltar we had so many sieges in our history we only loosely cover everything before the 14th or The Great Siege. We learn about the Spanish War or Succession and its meaning to the ownership of Gib as well but thats about it really. Tensions about Gibraltar have always been there when you live here but due to Brexit have come back up on a wider more international scale of awareness. Once last point, its Gibraltarians not Gibraltans 😉 Love your videos though!!

Mate, I have no Idea what "Square-Space" means, But as a Gibraltarian, now living in New Zealand, you were spot on mate

Being English, and having served in Gib, as a member of the British Army, I am biased. However it was given to the UK as part of treaty of Utrect, as stated in the video " for ever". If Spain had managed to take it back by force, I would argue then it would be Spanish. However they didn't. In addition to this the people of Gib had a referendum and voted to remain British. As such the people of Gib have to remain British. Spain only wants joint control because it is now a financial power house. They don't want full control as the financial power would collapse, and to retain that power they would have to treat it differently than the rest of Spain. This would open up problems with other separatist factions. That in turn would destroy Spain as we know it.

I live in gibraltar i moves there from uk like 5 years ago

17:26, Oh come on, we all know it was Kirk. Picard obviously would raise yellow alert, raise shields, open channels and start a monologue but never, EVER, shoot first. 😜🖖

"Its not just a boulder, it's a rock!"

Great and informative short documentary ahead of Gibraltar’s National Day. FYI , we’re called Gibraltarians 🇬🇮

I'm Scottish. Been to Gib. many times. Great little place. Very scenic, and like a small English town nailed onto southern Spain. Visit if you can.

.....we are Gibraltarians.....not Gibraltans.....and WE...own Gibraltar....its people....thanks for creating this video about my hometown

you should do a geographics about the great lakes in the midwest USA. there is a lot of interesting history and geography around the area. and it was all because of the beaver.

Can you imagine if that rock could talk? Of all the history that it has seen over the centuries, I never really understood what the big fuss is all about, until a few years ago when I was speaking with my father, who for 15 years, Served with the Royal Canadian Navy, and held in his possession a small piece of rock, in a glass bubble filled with water, mounted on a 14 karat gold base. I just assumed it was the gold that made it so valuable to him, until he explained to me the history of Gibraltar, and how he came upon this particular item. Now granted, dad does tend to exaggerate things, especially his travels while in the Navy, but according to him, while they were stationed in what is now morocco, a couple of sailors, including himself, got drunk one night at a local pub, and somehow made their way to the rock of Gibraltar. He claims that when they reached the very top, which is suspect right there, he claimed that he looked down and saw something shining in the bottom of a hole. He reached out, knelt down, and picked up this souvenir, assuming it was just gold plated, something that was misplaced by a lost tourist, but as it turned out that was not the case. He says he scooped it up without saying a word to his buddies, feeling he might get in trouble for taking something that didn’t belong to him, but he kept it hidden amongst his possessions on the ship, until he finally docked in Halifax for good. He’d actually forgotten that he had it, and claims there was just something about it that told him to go have it appraised, and after doing so he discovered that it truly was 14 karat gold, solid gold, the glass bubble, which contained a piece, or at least a supposed piece of the rock of Gibraltar, was actually made from Crystal, and very rare Crystal, not indigenous to that area at all. The appraiser asked my father where he got it, too embarrassed to say the truth, he made up some cockamamy story, but soon found out that it was worth I considerable amount of money, and apparently was part of a collection, that disappeared from its original owner who lived in Greece. How it got from Greece to this hole in the ground at the top of the mountain in Gibraltar, remains a complete mystery to this day. Thankfully dad is still alive, but at 85, Having innumerable health problems, particularly cardiac problems that have shorten his life span to the point where we are all amazed that he still alive, because according to his doctors, he should’ve passed away many years ago, thank God he hasn’t. Pardon the pun, but he’s always been my rock in my life, and while I am 51 years old, whenever I face hardships in life, he remain steadfast and true, but he’s always held in elements of mystery. Either he’s not permitted to speak about it, or he just doesn’t want to, but when you ask him about his military career, he clams right up, and seldom tells you anything about the 15 years he spent in the Navy. He did tell me once, while we were drinking no less, that he and a few of his officers were sent on some top-secret missions, things that would never be discussed with anybody, not even his closest family members. He does indeed have many skeletons in his closet, and while he promises that he will tell me everything before he passes away, I’ve pleaded with him to tell me now, because he doesn’t live anywhere near me, and I might not be able to get to him before he dies, yet he remains tightlipped about everything. But when it comes to the rock of Gibraltar? It’s as if a whole new persona takes over his body and mind, which becomes a steel trap, I’m actually amazed he told me how he acquired this thing in the first place, because he is not one to speak openly about anything personal, let alone confidential. I just found this out a few months ago, so it’s really coincidental that I came up on this video. I know that I will inherit this whatever it is, upon his passing, including documents to go with it, documents that he absolutely Refuses to show me until he’s gone. What could be so important that he wouldn’t even tell his own wife and/or children? Canadians are not known for being conquerors, we’re peace keepers, we always have been and we probably always will be, generally, were the ones that pick up the pieces after The Americans, Russians, Chinese, etc. have already gone through and destroyed everything. So how we came upon this item is beyond me. I truly do not buy the story he is telling us, because he tells it with absolutely no conviction, almost as though he’s making it up in his head. You cannot ask him about it, because he will not answer you, but it’s not the only item and subject that is for bidden. All I know is that he went on some very classified missions while in the Navy, to what end I have no idea, and I probably never will. You would think that at 85, he wouldn’t care about classified things as much, and would feel compelled to tell the truth to his own son, but now, he absolutely refuses to tell me anything about these missions other than they existed, how can something remain classified for 60 years, give or take? Generally most classified documents are deemed unclassified after that long of a period, yet he refuses to talk about it, so what do I do? Nothing, I can’t force him to tell me the truth, but again, he still swears he’ll tell me everything I need to know upon his deathbed. Do any of you have close family members that were in the military, that absolutely refuse to tell you any details about missions they went on decades ago? I told him he was being a drama queen and nothing could be that important, yet he remain steadfast in his belief that whatever he is hiding, must be kept secret, but if that’s the case then why will he tell me up on his deathbed and not before? What in the hell is so important about Gibraltar, it’s just a rock! If anyone can add to the story, I greatly appreciate it, because despite an exhaustive search, I cannot find any information, and I’m just hoping that somebody out there can, thanks for listening.

Hong Kong was not leased to the British. It was ceded "in perpetuity". It was the New Territories that were leased for 99 years.

"only bone of contention" Tell that to UK fishermen.

Gibraltarian not 'Gibraltan' - sorry, as someone that lives on the rock I had to point that out

Hey, can you make another episode about the Sahara desert ?! Moroccan desert where the Conflict is beginning to heat up again!!

Went to school in Gibraltar. Absolutely love it there ❤

My last novel takes place during the Great Siege and after all my research about the topic these are my conclusions: 1. The importance of Gibraltar as a possession is overrated. It definitely did not played any decisive role in any war. If Britain could control the entrance in the Mediterranean sea it was because of its large and mighty navy. What's more, the Anglo-Dutch fleet was sent to conquer Cadiz, not Gibraltar. As the Spaniards already knew the plans, the fleet did not dare to attack, and they decided to take Gibraltar instead so that they don't come back empty-handed. It was a piece of cake, as nobody was protecting the rock. 2. Gibraltar has been a crack in the Spanish character and a stubborn British obsession which only benefited the French. During the 18th century, Gibraltar has been the perfect excuse to drag Spain into war against Britain. Under the French promise of "by the way, we will help you to recover Gibraltar if you join forces with us", Spain signed treaties of mutual defence known as Pactos de Familia, which led to such a fiasco war such as the Seven Years' war. As for the British, it is interesting how many mighty fleets they diverted to Gibraltar during the American War of Independence. As if Gibraltar were more important than Boston or New York. In the 18th century the Britsh took also Tanger, a much more important city than Gibraltar, but it only took ten years to a few moorish tribes to expel the British from there. 3. Today Gibraltar is a historic anomaly that can be easily solved by just opening the gates (La Verja), and let the people mix with each other. 4. Today the major British threat to the Spaniards is when Jamie Oliver cooks paella with chorizo. The major Spanish threat to the Brits is the La Roja plays against England.

What about the Barbery Apes? I visited Gilbratar in December 1971. Toured the caves and saw the apes.

It just has such a cool biblically sounding name. That's why everyone wants it.

Very interesting history. But what about it 1951 when Klaatu threatened to sink the Rock of Gibraltar in "The Day the Earth Stood Still"?

I want to meet Simon and just have a intelligent conversation about the world.

Its gibraltarians not gibraltans, other than that great video👍 Greetings from a Gibraltarian subscriber

Take a shot every time he says Rock.

Well you could say Gibraltar has been through a few seeded or two but I guess you can stay at a rocky start

So fourteen sieges fought over...a big rock. Y'know I think this quote from Buffy the Vampire Slayer just became very, _very_ topical: "It's a big rock. Can't wait to tell my friends, they don't have a rock this big."

I'd rather impress and impact people by creating value to their lives which is the only true and honest path to wealth and abundance.

200 years property of the Spanish crown 316 years property of the British 🤔

American Revolution broke out in 1765? Maybe 1775

Simon and team, your videos are amazing! I watch all of your channels and most of the content, but... if I could make one criticism, the background music can often be over used and distracting. Thanks for the Great content though!

There's an amazing view to be had of Gibraltar from the A-383 as it comes over a pass in the hills to the north - Mirador El Higuerón - there's even a stopping area and lookout.

Gibraltar is the Spongebob meme of *"HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO TEACH THIS LESSON OLD MAN!"*

IF you blamed it on Aliens right at the end maybe History would sign you up! Seriously though, I love your docs, better than anything on TV.

4:12 "Its over Moors, I have the high Ground!" I think even he referenced the wars in the stars I really enjoyed the use of orchestral music in this episode! PS some say the Seven years' war or even the Spanish Succession War is the real first world war or World War Zero also wth 1765?

I deeply appreciate the musical joke of Ride of the Valkyries continuing to play a little farther in with each siege. 😁

This new thing of inserting marketing messages in the middle of the video is really something extremely annoying.

Am I really here before the bots advertising their own channels?

Imagine how the course of World War II would have played out had Hitler not wasted so much time, effort & resources trying to conquer England with Operation Sea Lion, and instead had launched an attack on Gibraltar. Had Germany succeeded, Hitler would have told Spain's fascist leader, Franco, that Gibraltar was being returned to it's rightful owners, as long as Spain prevented the British from using it as a base during the conflict. The whole course of the War could've changed; Malta would've fallen to the Italian/German forces, and the North African campaign would have turned out much differently.

Thanks for the interesting history of The Rock, the image of Dwayne Johnson and, especially, the Star Trek reference. 🖖

Prudential Insurance has a claim to the Rock too.

1:10 - Chapter 1 - Rock around the world 3:20 - Chapter 2 - Siege 1 to 10 4:00 - Siege 1 - Castile vs Marinids (Round 1) 4:30 - Siege 2 - Granada vs Castile 4:30 - Siege 3 - Castile vs Marinids (Round 2) 4:40 - Siege 4 - Castile vs Marinids (Round 2) 5:05 - Siege 5 - Castile vs Marinids (Round with the plague) 5:35 - Siege 6 - Granada vs Marinids rebels 5:55 - Siege 7 - Castile vs Granada (Round 1) 6:25 - Siege 8 - Castile vs Granada (Round 2) 6:40 - Siege 9 - Guzmans vs their own king 7:20 - Siege 10 - Guzmans vs their own king (Round 2) 7:50 - Chapter 3 - There is no success in succession 9:25 - Siege 11 - A ton of english & dutch vs some spaniards 10:30 - Siege 12 - France & spain vs Britain & the united provinces 11:20 - Mid roll ads 12:45 - Chapter 4 - Paz y amistad 14:40 - Siege 13 - Spain vs great britain 16:00 - Chapter 5 - Siege 14 (The big one)

A British man walks up to a Spanish man The British man asks if he wants to hear a joke The Spanish man said "Si" The British man said "Gibraltar" The Spanish man responded "I don't get it" The British man said "And you never will"

Nice Obi-Wan reference, well played sir.

I want Simon to put out an edited version that shows a picture of Duane Johnson every single time he says “The Rock”

Please consider doing a video on Mont Saint-Michel.

Can you do a video on the first Mongol invasion of the island of Tsushima? That would be interesting

I have taken this place many times from the brits in call of war, I know very well of its usefulness.

Simon, i like supporting the show, but please remove the midroll ads, they were 2 ads, back2back

As donkey once said "I like that boulder, that's a nice boulder"

I am from gibraltar love our rock!!!! 🇬🇮

I love how it was a bunch of tiny battles until Britain decided they want it, and no one could put up the gumption to stop them.

Who owns Gibraltar Simon ? The people who live there , they have democracy, and can vote to be what they want to be EU, Spain,UK, Independent ? Check out the last vote .

I would love to see you do a video on Sir Frances Drake. One of my favourite books of all time is called The Secret Voyage of Sir Frances Drake. It covers a lot of his adventures however I bet there was lots left out.

We know who owns Gibraltar. The Treaty of Utrecht finalized that issue, and the fact that the residents reject the idea of a transfer to Spain, understandably, reinforces it.

16:00: Um....The American Revolution did NOT "break out" in 1765. The first shots were fired in 1775 and independence declared in July 1776.

Why should there be contention. Spain unambiguously gave it up to a specific party. Nough said. And we're walking.

I've been to Gibraltar and its a very cool place.

Interesting that a Guy from my Birthtown was a leader in the 11th Siege. Today Darmstadt is just an overblown town that thinks it is a City. Well, just my Opinion.

AVRO ARROW MEGAPROJECTS DO IT

Am curious about the political status of Melilla and Ceuta. When Gibraltar is discussed Spain doesn't mention that they have two enclaves in Morocco

In the right hands, history can be a hell of a lot of fun. Thank you for the lesson!

Quickly let's siege it while there's still covid the British won't expect it Some of use will die from Plague but hey who doesn't want to siege Gibraltar

Man, Dwayne has gone through so much

Given its strategic importance I don't think spain will ever receive the rock again or just turn into a singapore. Though the british government has had longer control of the rock than the any of the Spanish governments ever lol

This video's most duration put to other words: History of spain

So basically it seems like you can’t trust Spain lol

Anyone else wondering why Carol of The Bells was playing around the 16:00-18:00 minute mark?

16:03 You made a mistake, American Revolution broke out in 1775, not 1765.

Someone: "Hey, do you know about the Siege of Gibraltar?" Me: "Do you have the slightest idea how little that narrows it down?"

I know this would be a BIOgraphics video, but you don't seem to have done a video about El Cid?

... struggles to understand what part of "forever" is hard to grasp....

Admiral Leake steps aboard a ship. Some smart ass with a death wish: "there's a leak in the boat"

6:28 Henry IV of England?

I wanted to learn about Gibraltar. Not a description of the stupid wars. Thumbs down.

disliked for the meme

Do I note some glee when he describes the French Spanish forces losing to British Dutch troops?

Always wanted to visit it, even just for the airport