The Algarve is dotted with evidence of the Romans who established themselves in this region in the 2nd century BC, before continuing their way through the Iberian Peninsula. The most impressive examples of Roman ruins are those at Abicada and Vilamoura, as well as the ruins at Milreu villa at Estoi. In the 5th century AD, the Goths took control of the area, settling in the Algarve for around two centuries until the Moorish invasion of 711. The five centuries of Arab occupation represent an important and interesting period in the history of the Algarve and there is plenty of evidence today, such as architectural style and place names; during this time the region was known as ‘Al-Garb Al-Andalus’. Faro became known as Faraon and Tavira as Tabir. During the period of Arab rule, there were a number of important Islamic figures based in the region and it is this period that is responsible for many of the myths and legends that have passed through the generations. Moorish rule ended in the 12th century, although it was not until the 13th century after Moorish attempts to re-conquer that the Portuguese were in complete control. One of the most critical battles was that in Silves in 1189 led by King Sancho I. The modern Algarve is dominated by the boom in tourism that began with British tourists coming to the area in the 1960s. Today, tourists from around Europe flock to the region and many foreigners own property in the area. | 
