Gibraltar: The History of the Rock Across 14 Sieges

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Source/Further reading:
Overview of the Sieges: www.visit-andalucia.com/one_p...
New tactics used in the Big Siege: www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMa...
An account of the Big Siege: www.britishbattles.com/war-of...
Early History of Gibraltar: www.visitgibraltar.gi/history...
A Spanish account of the history of Gibraltar: www.artearqueohistoria.com/DES...
Meet the Guzmans:
dbe.rah.es/biografias/6846/alo... dbe.rah.es/biografias/39302/en... dbe.rah.es/biografias/13838/en...

[@geographicstravel]

Check out Squarespace: squarespace.com/geographics for 10% off on your first purchase.

[@bracko2k]

Do a video on the VW Beetle?

[@tectusprime9240]

Ahoy Simon! Great vids 👌 please do a video/review on the book Worlds in Collision by Immanuel Velikovsky. Ancient civilizations wrote about Venus and Mars coming between earth and the moon.

[@slaveknightdante6207]

Eyyyyy i live there 😊 i clicked so fast Fun fact gib is small so everytime u pull up a photo u can probs see youre house lmao

[@acepilot1]

I’m looking to build a website for my honey business, I’ll look into square space, thanks for the discount

[@thetruthwillout9094]

What is it with you not pronouncing names and places correctly? "Hair-u- cles"??? Wtf? No brit pronounces Hercules like that.

[@shizunne]

Location: Gibraltar Status: Under siege, probably.

[@wendychavez5348]

Possibly recovering from siege or preparing for siege, or any combination of the three.

[@paspax]

Allegedly.

[@Sporiavti]

🤣🤣🤣 no no we safe now 💪

[@LetsTalkAboutPrepping]

I cant imagine living in a place that is basically guaranteed geopolitical strife

[@FriedrichBarb]

@@LetsTalkAboutPrepping Isn't as bad as you would imagine since its in Europe, but yes you have a point sometimes it does get tiresome. Gibraltarians-Spaniards get along well, at least majority of them do, so

[@lifevest1]

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

[@slibbs2869]

This comment deserves more likes

[@regal105]

Only way better

[@richardwilliams3497]

All pointless

[@heyyou5189]

Not to be confused with the Obama administration attempt at gun smuggling.

[@karlosdeevs]

@@heyyou5189 they were *always* smuggling guns. before, during & after. Anyway, you could compare it to f&f if there were 6 or 7 sieges. Not sure if there is a truly great franchise with 14

[@toric6005]

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

[@jonrolfson1686]

"Edvard Grieg’s "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (Norwegian: I Dovregubbens hall) seemed particularly appropriate.

[@toric6005]

Jon Rolfson lol I noticed that one too but after I had made the comment. Indeed very fitting

[@trixievonmothersbaugh1340]

I was like "Is that Christmas music??"

[@whoshotdk]

@@trixievonmothersbaugh1340 lol me "the uneducated" too!

[@juliadagnall5816]

Kept getting flashbacks to Loony Toons and Animaniacs

[@rodchallis8031]

Hey, Hapsburg, why the long face?

[@mattbillington4602]

b*

[@rodchallis8031]

@@mattbillington4602 I always leave out the "b" as an insult for their part in starting WWI.

[@nicholasbrassard3512]

"cause I can't get my sister pregnant :('

[@tubedude26666]

Actually it's habsburg, but whatever...

[@LiamE69]

@@tubedude26666 Hapsburg is a legitimate alternate spelling, but whatever...

[@kimberlybrown1202]

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 😉

[@gwynkemp-philp4577]

I have always called you Gibraltarians ever since I visited. I still have the watch that my late, but then still, future mother-in-law bought my fiancée and I for presents We have been married now for 41years and I still miss my South African mother-in-law. Longing to return to that jewel in the ocean. Respect to you and yours.

[@Vanspecial]

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.

[@Simonsvids]

Yes, and it's military importance remains to this day.

[@greatdaneacdc]

He will need part 2 on this one ! Glad there’s no test on this !

[@DavBlc7]

Yep it was a important base for invasion of French North Africa (then held by Vichy forces) known as "Operation Torch"

[@grimreaper649]

@@DavBlc7 Gibraltar, Malta and the suez canal (egypt) were some of the most important parts of the british empire during ww2.

[@pyromania1018]

Don't worry, he made a sequel.

[@krootmacroot2144]

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

[@krootmacroot2144]

@Matthew Huszarik nup. Portuguese people are bros. Identical culture but different flag/language. Catalonia wants to leave, Basque wants to leave, Navarra wants to leave. It's like the solution to all their problems is independence. Very sad situation tbh

[@krootmacroot2144]

@Matthew Huszarik Agreed. It's interesting though how the Basque country have "similar" setup like you mention. They are the only region in Spain extent to pay taxes to the spanish government. Still connected in many ways to Spain, but not economically.

[@paulvallejo]

@@krootmacroot2144 when I go to Portugal I make it a point of speaking english. If you go into a restaurant speaking spanish they make it a point to ignore you and provide terrible service. The second you say you're from Gibraltar, attitudes change. The Portuguese are most definitely NOT your bros

[@dazeng4633]

That's the most grown up opinion I've ever heard over this rock. I adore Spain and it's people, would be wonderful if they weren't so fussed over a Poxy Rock in the sea.

[@krootmacroot2144]

@@dazeng4633 Thanks mate. Well, it's not about just some small town in a rock. Think about this scenario: Spain owns, for some reason, a small town in the coast of Dover. And after some years, we build an airport, a harbour and control the strait with some military ships. Not only that, but we make Spanish Dover a tax haven. I'm 100% sure most of the british people would be pissed about it.

[@064anshumankar2]

Simon is probably the best host on KZbin. Period.

[@phatphat7089]

Probably period?

[@mragrego1]

Maybe if he wasn't so left

[@niagaradrones]

@@mragrego1 he likes himself an orange man from time to time

[@carneeki]

I would like his voice for my mapping software. Best use of Geographics ever :)

[@carneeki]

Though I could go for Jay Foreman or Tom Scott for navigation too.

[@oldthrasbarg641]

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

[@tome57a]

Agreed. When you cross the border from Spain, you innately know you've stepped into another world. I was very lucky to go there.

[@gwynkemp-philp4577]

You are not alone. I found Gibraltar to be a real jewel in the sand, I'd have loved to have stayed.

[@ericlarsen1920]

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

[@ThePeejRR]

Stamp Act of 1765 is often cited as the match that started the flames of revolution in America.

[@kegsofvomitspit]

I would combine both of your statements by saying the revolutionary movement began in earnest with the Stamp Act which escalated over time. By the time Lexington and Concord happened, most of the gears of sedition were already in motion, those events just mark the beginning of it being a formal war.

[@elliotatkinson429]

Ummm...no. Stamp Act making people unhappy is not a considered the start of the revolution. There was no large scale active attempt to shed British rule due to the Stamp Act and isn’t commonly cited as the start of the Revolution. Both sides continued to trade with each other, and American colonists still considered themselves British citizens. This would be like saying that June 1919 is the start date of WWII because that’s when the Treaty of Versailles was signed. While it may be a contributing cause for war, it isn’t considered the beginning. April 19, 1775 when the Battles of Lexington and Concord were fought is the commonly accepted date for the start of the Revolution. France didn’t join in until 1778 and Spain in 1779. And I have no idea what point Sam Beck is trying to make.🤷‍♂️

[@Blaergh]

The fact that this comment thread is thoughtful and accurate puts a smile on my face.

[@brianarbenz7206]

In defense of Eric Larsen, we didn't start all the Bicentennial hoopla in 1965. That really began in 1974.

[@steveskouson9620]

"...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

[@threestepssideways1202]

Steve, correct, entirely.

[@cassandraralph5906]

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!

[@azazelreficulmefistofelicu7158]

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

[@zopEnglandzip]

"The marines distinguished themselves" nothing new there then

[@shebbs1]

Yes, the best Marines!

[@zopEnglandzip]

@@shebbs1 surprised Simon didn't mention their insignia, "Gibraltar, per mare, per terram"

[@EvenWaysMusic]

Exactly what I thought. Few hundred RM? Yeah, not gonna go well for the opposition

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Royal Marines and Gurkhas are truly Bad A.s’s.

[@zopEnglandzip]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 if you are making a list, parachute regiment is up there with RM.

[@jimstanhope]

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.

[@theokingshango]

conquer if you manage

[@harrybaulz666]

Imperialist

[@maryjaska6360]

@@harrybaulz666 mm

[@deadmetal8692]

Liked the Obi-wan reference.

[@jamiebarba5701]

The Master of the High Ground.

[@Colonel_Overkill]

Do not underestimate the force...... of the Gibraltar fortifications.

[@stephjovi]

When the writers enjoy making Simon say star wars stuff although he doesn't like star wars 🤣

[@parvuspeach]

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.

[@bonefetcherbrimley7740]

Tell me more, I am curious.

[@nicholasanson3920]

They still live here imo

[@garrettallen7427]

They were probably under siege

[@kepi-le9zn]

Kind of rude to do the British like that

[@misslawless6021]

Garrett Allen history is usually written by the victors

[@uglybaby001]

Take a shot every time he says Rock.

[@Redsauce101]

I died.

[@Off.Kej_ficial]

On it!

[@133Nomad]

Calm down Satan.

[@catherinesummers4031]

LMAO 🤣

[@--enyo--]

Are you okay?

[@FriedrichBarb]

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

[@markwierzbicki5307]

Kilroy from a previous defender of your homeland, may I wish you a very happy National day!

[@FriedrichBarb]

@@markwierzbicki5307 Thanks very much! wish you the best as well

[@anon15169]

Most historically interesting rock

[@byronlopez4078]

@@toneohm215 go for it, see how far you'll get. I'll be waiting at the gates ready to defend my homeland

[@enright13]

@Kilroy, I've only just seen this video but as a half-Gibraltarian I thought it was excellent, and am glad to see that as one of its population you approve too. By the way I was also there for National Day, as I try to be every year, usually in the company of my cousin Ironman who lives just below the octopus on Castle Steps! Last year was pretty subdued of course, but hopefully it will be getting back to normal by September. I can only hope for Gib Floyd in Casemates again as that was a proper bucket list moment. All the best!

[@markwierzbicki5307]

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.

[@anarchyantz1564]

First of all, thank you for your service to the crown. A lot of Spanish go there to work and generally most don't want it being handed to the Spanish government as they will balls it up like the rest of their corrupt government has on the mainland. Been there numerous times over the years as my Mother emigrated just down the road. it is a lovely place and like the Falklands it is pretty much only wanted to get back at us by corrupt powers.

[@joaquincimas500]

@@anarchyantz1564 LOL. I'm a spaniard, i don't want the rock. But trying to say that all the spanish gouverment is corrupt, like if Spain was a Banana Republic... Like if the British gouverment were never be corrupt at all in all her history too. Don't get me wrong but that's a little bit stupid. Spain don't want Gibraltar cause money and finance (can be important) It's the position of full control of the straight of Gibraltar, that's all. Cheers from Spain :)))

[@Hanzo.Azmodan]

I am English and have lived for twenty years just outside Marbella, along the coast from Gib. Once, a conversation with some Spanish friends drifted towards the ownership of Gib with the remarks that how would I, as an Englishman, feel if France owned the Isle of Wight and that was why Spain wanted Gib back as it was geographically part of Spain. My retort was that that was a hypocritical remark considering Spain occupies an area of Morocco called Ceuta which is due south of Gibraltar on the other side of the Med. so why not give that back?The subject was dropped very rapidly!

[@julianshepherd2038]

Yeah but it is a bit of Spain just as Ceuta is a bit of Morocco.

[@markwierzbicki5307]

julian shepherd Following your principle, why isn't Spain Part of France, or France part of Germany ? After all they are connected to each other. Continuing to follow your principle England should be French because of the Norman conquest (1066). Also Alaska should be given back to Canada, an Canadians should leave and give the country back to the natives who lived there before the Europeans arrived. Gib only became Spanish when the independent territories united in 1516, and originally were taken by the Dutch and English in the 1700s, when it was likely to go into either French or Austrian hands. So arguably it has been English territory for longer than it ever was Spanish. watch the video.

[@11calman]

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

[@davidjames4915]

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.

[@shaunallen5678]

Was stationed in Gibralter, a young 18 year old!(The Royal Ulster Rifles) Best time of my life. Was at the border when Franco ordered it to be sealed (1967)....and that was it, no way of getting into Spain via Gib. That applied also to the Spanish from La Linea....the barber who crossed the frontier every day to cut the hair of the soldiers said to me that this would be the last time I cut your hair...tomorrow I will not be allowed back. For many Spanish it was a great loss of income. Had a Honda 250cc bike which I would enjoy riding back and forth....no tunnel as yet to allow driving 'around' the rock, still a wonderful time. Anyone remember 'Sugars' the bar in the town centre, swimming on the catchment side where a hotel stood (is it still there?) Thank you Gibralter for leaving such a positive memory with me!

[@chrishitchings8712]

Went to school in Gibraltar. Absolutely love it there ❤

[@bretkellam6429]

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

[@FriedrichBarb]

As a Gibraltarian I say bring it, the British will repeat what they did with Spain's Argentinian cousins 😂

[@felipe367]

The Spanish have tried on multiple occasions and failed each time.

[@bretkellam6429]

@@felipe367 that should provide even more incentive imho.

[@danielhooke6115]

Perhaps when Spain cede Ceuta, Melilla, the islands of Alhucemas, Velez, and Perejil back to Morocco?

[@Audiablo]

Naaa this needs a new player. North Korea? :D

[@TheJaviferrol]

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

[@criswadsworth]

Well it was Menorca so your joke's kind of ruined.

[@Audiablo]

* laughs in British *

[@markwierzbicki5307]

Pretty sure the Spanish took Menorca back by force, ( as stated in the video, “the news arrived that Menorca had fallen”). I would suggest that other than via claiming independence, as part of a swap / treaty ( this land for that) or after being liberated, there are only a hand full of occasions when land has peaceful been returned to a country from another who previously occupied it. Hong Kong was occupied by the British, then held under a 99 year lease, then returned to China.

[@markwierzbicki5307]

Lavinia Whateley sorry who could have Gibraltar ? One would argue that as it is just a U.K. protectorate (so effectively an under pendant country with its own government, prints its own money, passes its own laws etc ) it is already an independent country just like the Falklands, Isle of Mann, the Channel Islands, et al. All the U.K. does is protect their boarders, ( although for the Falklands the full bill is paid for by the Falkland islanders) protect their version of the pound(£) they are loosely part of out trade, and other policies. So all the joys of being independent with none of the major issues headaches!

[@rivetcrunch3830]

The music selection for this one was stellar

[@sheldonswift4729]

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

[@cmn6772]

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

[@the_hope_of_balarat1109]

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

[@redahassani3823]

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..

[@d.c.8828]

The Rock got corona'd.

[@gremlinonthewing..5477]

I hope this channel can do a episode on Tangier and how it became the only English Town outside of England .. x

[@ulrichenevoldsen8371]

Don't bother. It sucks there. To many people, lousy high priced food and endless waiting for going through back to Spain.

[@redahassani3823]

@@ulrichenevoldsen8371 there's a checkpoint between them?! Did not know that...

[@fuzzyhair321]

@@redahassani3823 it's a military base so it makes sense. Also just for spanish to be as difficult as ever

[@mathewstarcher1333]

Absolutely Love Simon and ALL of his channels. Thank you for what you do

[@andyread1382]

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!!

[@ScubaDude68]

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

[@gregoryambres1897]

You have that special talent for knowing EXACTLY what subjects that one wishes to hear about in the coming days. I simply do not know HOW that you do it, Simon. BRILLIANT. 🏆

[@amogus205]

Wow I’m really happy to see you post something about a place I live so close to! I often drive by Gibraltar as I’m preparing to move from Malaga to Cadiz. I knew they were fighting over the rock but never knew it went on for so long. Damn

[@GibraltarDragon]

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

[@michaelmitchell4989]

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

[@TareekhTrekker]

T

[@Dave-hu5hr]

One of the best opening scenes in film history.

[@TareekhTrekker]

Michael Mitchell Which bond film was that

[@ryantruax4635]

@@TareekhTrekker the one where he prefers his martini shaken, not stirred

[@ladydi4runner]

@@TareekhTrekker The Living Daylights. 1987. Timothy Dalton first go at Bond.

[@stephenlane9168]

Another great story telling Simon. I’m loving all your channels 👏👌

[@rodgerwilkie3617]

So I've apparently watched your Gibraltar episodes in reverse order, but they are both excellent. Always grateful to see one of my favourite places in the world get some recognition.

[@NeverQuiteAlex]

Nice Obi-Wan reference, well played sir.

[@Paranormalin416]

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.

[@victorcabanelas]

What can I say? I just loved the titles of the sieges, haha! Amazing as always, keep up the great work!

[@ruralstar]

Simon , I think you gave me whiplash with this video. Good Gods. Kudos for the choice of background music, too. Hilarious and familiar. Good stuff!

[@manuelr.lavado-libros9545]

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.

[@sethsmietana7733]

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

[@trj1442]

Great doco. Thank you Geographics crew.

[@laztoth3104]

LOVE the channel and the HISTORY!!!!!!!👍👍👍 THANKS SIMON...

[@paullaviolette2610]

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.

[@MarloSoBalJr]

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

[@angelaboyle9940]

Loving this very informative series n a great host

[@davidfernandez756]

This is brilliant. Thanks Simon.

[@michaelmitchell4989]

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

[@andrewlyon9292]

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

[@stevenrobinson2047]

I love your videos! My young boys get to learn all about the world in a quick and entertaining way!

[@theemissary1313]

The soundtrack to this video complimented the tone so well. Keep up the good work team!

[@cmn6772]

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

[@jcorbo7518]

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?

[@LikeAcrid]

Videos like these just make me want to visit the place even more

[@joeytierney4588]

That was very interesting maked me want to go visit check out the history. Did ya ever think a bout doing a episode on northern ireland.

[@theshadowman1398]

Always wanted to visit it, even just for the airport

[@FriedrichBarb]

Do it, you'll have a great time, preferably in summer of course

[@Tahkaullus01]

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."

[@misslawless6021]

Lmaooo

[@greengardengreen6666]

Just Looking and today it’s a small, commercially vibrant city with a population is 35k, with a high standard of living. I know this, because I live and work in Gibraltar🇬🇮👍😉

[@mikejenkins4924]

There are only two rocks like it in the whole world. One in Gibraltar, and another on the same spanish peninsula in a place called Calpe on the Costa Blanca.

[@gwynkemp-philp4577]

@@mikejenkins4924 I've been to both and Gibraltar gets my vote.

[@mikejenkins4924]

@@gwynkemp-philp4577 For size, maybe. The place itself.. not so much. Calpe is a paradise compared to Gibraltar.

[@TexanAmiga]

Please see if y’all can do a video on the Magdalen Islands. All of your videos are great! I enjoy each and learn something from every one! Thank you🙂

[@oliversherman2414]

I'm from the UK but I live in southern Spain. I visit Gibraltar weekly and it's definitely my favourite place locally 🇬🇧🇬🇮

[@colinthomas5408]

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.

[@scotmac5143]

When you say "Beaver", do you mean a ladies Vagina?? Coz that would take some doing lol. 😂😂

[@nolanbrown84]

Would be nice to touch on the Edmund Fitzgerald in that Geographic and then do an episode on the Big Fitz itself!

[@spddiesel]

@@scotmac5143 that would take a lot of WAP to fill all five...

[@RagsLighthouses]

THE LEGEND LIVES ON FROM THE CHIPPEWA ON DOWN, ON THE BIG LAKE THEY CALL GITCHIE GUMIE

[@anihtgenga4096]

GO BEAVERS !!!

[@Narvask]

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.

[@esutbone]

Love your background music choices.

[@andrewlavey6992]

An excellent documentary, Simon. Short and pithy.

[@eliotthecaveman]

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!

[@ignitionfrn2223]

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)

[@arnaldoteodorani277]

Dear Sir/Madam. I always admired your patience in chapterising Simon's videos, but this time you have outdone yourself.

[@syn-frohboss3640]

great episode

[@barrydysert2974]

Most insightful!

[@segullseagull3241]

I lived in Gibraltar for 13 years. It's a lovely place - there's a real sense of community over there and a lot of British pride. I enjoyed my time in Gib but it was a bit too small for me and I never really got used to the heat!! But I'll definitely return for a visit at some point in the future.

[@denigster]

"real sense of community and a lot of british pride" doesnt sounds nice for me on spanish territory

[@segullseagull3241]

@@denigster well, it's not under Spanish rule but you can believe whatever makes you happy. I must say that I don't care enough to get caught in this argument with a stranger in a comment section. Gibraltar is still a great place and the people there are lovely.

[@Ronnet]

​@@denigster if it's Spanish territory then maybe you should do a siege. I bet that'll settle it once and for all.

[@zinksflame]

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

[@pavmierzwa7137]

I’ve been binging Business Blaze for last few day... and now is hard to take seriously, Simon... You’re a Legend! Allegedly...

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

This is one of your more entertaining episodes. Several actual laughs - out loud - during the tales of many sieges.

[@stephenperera7382]

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

[@micahhammac1242]

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

[@Qboi1982]

You’re right it had nothing to do with the strategic location on the Mediterranean

[@aftp6646]

It's a name derived from Arabic.

[@brianarbenz7206]

It sounds more Chuck Berry, or Dick Clark than biblical.

[@micahhammac1242]

@@brianarbenz7206 I don't know who you are but I like the way you think!!

[@ohno8569]

@@Qboi1982 absolutely didn't have any sort of strategic advantage. 😏

[@danstevenson8918]

What a brilliant video 👏👏👏

[@estudiordl]

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. 😜🖖

[@nunyobidniz]

Tea, Earl Grey, hot.

[@estudiordl]

@@nunyobidniz frenchiest phrase ever spoken 🤣

[@tome57a]

I think Picard would start a dialogue, not a monologue, but it would end up being a monologue when the enemy could not even hope to give a speech as great as his. As to who commanded the naval vessel Enterprise, I thought Picard did an admirable job in Star Trek: Generations. But yeah - Kirk would shoot first.

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Man, Dwayne has gone through so much

[@glenwest2836]

Very funny!!

[@caleblarsen5490]

Great. Now I have to go listen to Ride of the Valkyries to get it out of my head. Thanks a lot.

[@tobytaylor1454]

Amazing absolutely fantastic the carnage over a piece of rock!!!!! I am in awe absooolutely!!!!!😮😮😮😮😮

[@grandthanatos]

Please consider doing a video on Mont Saint-Michel.

[@lachbullen8014]

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

[@gwynkemp-philp4577]

What you can say is tough times breed tough people. And Gibraltar has had its share of tough times.

[@evanblake5252]

Laughed so hard during the siege back and forth. Perfect delivery.

[@EddieBeaumontThomas]

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

[@stuartclifton4764]

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

[@bobveinne2439]

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

[@lucianoarrieta5786]

This was amazing!🤩🤩🤩

[@kieran1289]

Used to live here, loved the video

[@redahassani3823]

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

[@weatherman667]

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.

[@Ronnet]

That's the way of empires. Once they are at their peak they are unstoppable and then they crumble away and all we have left is undeserved pride of a bygone era.

[@holgerlaarson8881]

Also props for an excellent choice of tunes

[@doc_havoc00heavywing37]

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

[@jordanrighi4136]

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

[@666sparton666]

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

[@nunyobidniz]

Or could be g-g-g-ghostly

[@Fucking_Legend]

Am Proud to say am from Gibraltar, amazing Video

[@BTFOOMNY]

Interesting. First time I ever heard of red-hot shot before. Neat concept.