During the conquest of Muslim Spain Catholicism was firmly established in the country by the Inquisition which came into being in the 1480s. Jews who refused to convert were expelled from Spain and Muslims treated similarly. FOOD Spanish cuisine is full of typically Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil and tomatoes. Many traditional Spanish dishes are served in tapas bars which are a feature of Spanish life. The Arab influence can still be seen in the use of fruits and almonds in savoury dishes and in some of the spices and sweet dishes.
Wine is plentiful and Spain is well known for Sangria .
More coffee is drunk than tea and chocolate is another favourite drink. It was, of course, the Spanish who brought chocolate to Europe from Mexico. Some of the oldest human remains to be found in Europe were excavated in Spain. The Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Carthaginians set up trading posts. The Romans and the Carthaginians fought for the control of Spain.