The history of Ibiza city is very old. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. The city was important because it was a strategic port. The Phoenicians traded with the Greeks and the Romans. Ibiza was captured by the Moors in the 8th century AD. The Moors ruled Ibiza for over 500 years. The city was recaptured by the Christians in the 15th century. Ibiza became a part of Spain. The city prospered during the 18th century. However, the city declined in the 19th century. Ibiza was captured by the French in 1808. The city was returned to Spain in 1814. Ibiza prospered again in the 20th century. The city is now a popular tourist destination.