Moana - History

History

The first reports of human occupation of these lands belong to the Acheulean period (75,000 BC). In the parishes of Domaio, O Carme, Meira and Tiran are also found flint tools and the remains of settlements dating from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. Elements of the Beaker Culture outside funeral environments were documented for the first time in Galicia in the area of A Fontela (Domaio). Tools and weapons of copper and bronze were found in Meira, Domaio and Tiran, where some relevant petroglyphs can be visited.The Castro culture is widely represented in the municipality with highly indications of romanization.

In the Middle Age, Moaña was under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Iria Flavia and Santiago de Compostela. In the 7th century Norman attacks caused a loss of population throughout the Morrazo, but from the 12th century, took place a new resurgence of the population, after Archbishop Diego Gelmírez established a plan to defend the coast. From these dates are the churches of San Martino and San Xoán of Tiran. From the 14th century, families like the Meira, the Valadares or Soutomaior took the town control. Noteworthy is the episode of the destruction of Meira Tower within the Irmandiño Wars (1467–1469).

The introduction of maize in the 17th century, changed local economy. The 90% of the acreage is then utilized in cultivating this plant. As consequence, there is a raising of water mills along the rivers in the district. Fishing has been a key activity in the local economy during all that time. The arrival of entrepreneurs from Catalonia in the 17th century established the fish canning industry, generating a population and economic growth quite remarkable.

In 1702 comes the Battle of Rande where British and Netherland forces take and plunder Domaio, Meira and Tiran. One hundred years later (1809) battles are fought in this land against the French invaders.