Every language has evolved other languages, and Spanish is no exception. From its roots as a Vulgar Latin dialect in Castilla to its current status as a global language, Spanish has been heavily influenced throughout its history by many other languages. Modern-day Spanish is a fascinating reflection of a multitude cultures and histories, from ancient Greek to English (and even Hungarian!).

We’ve put together a short timeline showing the various linguistic influences on Spanish, and roughly during which periods they took place. Various cultures have left indelible marks on Spanish, whose words tell a thousand stories. Enjoy!