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Madrid's Early Origins
- Madrid originated as a small Moorish fortress called Machardit in the 9th century, valued for its water source.
- It was not a major Roman or Visigoth city but gained prominence after Alfonso VI's conquest in 1085.
Philip II Moves Capital to Madrid
- Philip II moved the Spanish capital to Madrid in 1561, likely for political distance from the Church and water supply reasons.
- Madrid's location offered geographic centrality, a better climate, and access to natural resources like woodlands.
Saved 'Las Meninas' from Fire
- When the Alcazar Palace burned, a servant saved Velázquez's "Las Meninas" by throwing it out into the courtyard.
- This act preserved one of Madrid's most famous paintings, now housed in the Prado Museum.