From ancient cities to fortified historic hubs, many of our favorite European capitals weren't always the political epicenters they are today.
Capital cities are important hubs that serve as a central place for government, courts, and trade. Rulers rise to power and can quickly fall for various reasons, due to invasions and wars, a change in trade and needs, or even plagues and illness. Many current capital cities throughout Europe are not the original capitals and some have changed their epicenters multiple times. In fact, capitals are often newer than we may realize based on historical events happening at the time.
Spain only 500 years old! Impossible! Columbus discovered Puerto Rico in the second trip in 1492 (29 yrs ago in 2021).