Barcelona has a rich and complex history, dating back over 2,000 years. It was originally founded as a Roman city in the 1st century BC, known as Barcino. Over the centuries, it was ruled by various kingdoms and empires, including the Visigoths, Moors, and the Crown of Aragon. In the 19th century, Barcelona experienced significant industrialization and became a center of Catalonia's cultural and nationalist movement. It also played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Today, Barcelona is a thriving cosmopolitan city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.