The history of Alghero is very old and it is linked to the history of Sardinia. The first human settlements in the area of Alghero date back to the Neolithic period. The Nuragic civilization, which developed in Sardinia from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, left many traces in the territory of Alghero. In the 8th century BC, the Phoenicians founded the city of Alghero, which soon became one of the most important trading centers in the Mediterranean. The Romans conquered Sardinia in 238 BC and Alghero became a Roman colony. The city flourished and was rebuilt in a more modern style. In the 5th century AD, the Vandals invaded Sardinia and Alghero was destroyed. The city was rebuilt by the Byzantines, who ruled Sardinia until the 8th century. In the 11th century, the Pisans conquered Sardinia and Alghero became a Pisan colony. The city prospered and its inhabitants adopted the Pisan language. In the 14th century, the Aragonese conquered Sardinia and Alghero became an Aragonese colony. The city lost its importance and its inhabitants switched to the Catalan language. In 1720, the Spanish took control of Sardinia and Alghero became a Spanish colony. The city declined and its inhabitants switched to the Spanish language. In 1848, Sardinia became a province of Italy and Alghero became a municipality. The city lost its importance and its inhabitants switched to the Italian language. In 1974, Sardinia became a region of Italy and Alghero became a province. The city lost its importance and its inhabitants switched to the Italian language. In 1997, Alghero was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.