History of Beas de Granada
Beas de Granada’s origin dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. The oldest documentary references place it on the Roman road to Acci (modern-day Guadix). The name is believed to come from the Latin word Viax, meaning road. It originated as a post house or a place of supply and rest located at a crossroads, making it strategically important during the Roman era as it was located on the required passage for travellers and for military or commercial actions. During the Arab era, it became a fortified rural community with approximately twenty families living around a central fortress. Unfortunately, today there are no physical remains of that fortress. The settlers engaged in non-irrigated agriculture and cultivated mulberry trees to support Granada's silk industry. After the Reconquista, the lands and houses of this municipality were divided between Francisco de Bobadilla y Maldonado (15th century nobleman) and the Moors. However, heavy taxes were levied on the residents, forcing them to revolt, resulting in them being expelled. During the revolt, part of the church was burned down. The municipality was repopulated with settlers from Castile, León, Asturias, and Galicia.