During the centuries Fuerteventura was always subject to conquests. In 1100 BC seafarers from Carthago and Phoenizia vsit the island. But it was not before 200 AD that the Canary Islands were named in writing and on the map of the world. First the Arabic people tried to conquer the island. In the year of 1402 Jean de Bethencourt from the Normandie occupies the island of Lanzarote and he was awarded the Canary islands by the Spanish king. One year later he conquers Fuerteventura and establishes the main capital Bethencourt. Later the island will be sold. In the 15th century Spain buys Fuerteventura again. After that time the island was run by noble and religious people. Fuerteventura In the 17th and 18th century pirates of various origins attack the coast repeatedly. In the beginning of the 19th century the reigning over fiefs was abolished. In 1852 the Canary islands were declared a free trading area. Since 1912 the islands are entitled to self-government and 15 years later Fuerteventura will be part of the provinces of Gran Canaria. From 1966 tourism starts on the island and in the mid 70's King Juan Carlos becomes head of Spain. In 1993 Fuerteventura is integrated into the European Union. Since that time several touristic projects have been supported.