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The name of Almerķa stems from Al-miraya, mirror of the sea, and was first founded by Abd-Al Rahman III in 955 as a principal harbour in his extensive empire. Its spanish roots come from its surrender to the Catholic Kings, Ferdinand and Isabella in 1489 and was incorporated into the Kingdom of Granada.
The 16th century was for Almeria a century of natural catastrophes, for there were at least four earthquakes, of which the one in 1522 was especially cruel, devastating the city. The landings and attacks by Bereber pirates were also frequent in that century, and continued until the early 18th century. The most important person born in Almeria was Nicolas Salmeron which was the third president of the fist spanish republic during 1873. In the last century the city has increased its population, raising 175.000 habitants.
Few years ago, Almeria has been chosen to host the XVth Mediterranean Games in 2005.