Many traces establish the existence of settlements in this zone 2500 years B.C, although Professor Obermaier thinks that those vestiges go back to more than 4.000 years BC He, of course, is based on the Dolmens of Menga, Viera, El Romeral and El Alcaide, the first three in the outskirts of Antequera and the last near Villanueva de Algaidas.
Although there are no trace of Iberian, Tartesian or Phoenicians settlements, their presence is presumable, nevertheless there is no doubts about the Carthaginians stay, as they left many signs of it in the earthenware and graves found in Cerro León, which could have been the city of Osqua existing on that hill and where there was a great battle between Asdrubal and the Roman Legions.
The dolmens of Menga, Viera and El Romeral, attest the antiquity of Antequera, and the Romans who settled here, called it Antikaria to assure its immemorial establishment.
After
the signature of the Orihuela Treaty between the Goth King Teodomir and
Abdelaziz -Ben -Muza -Ben - Noseir, the Arab army came into Antequera and
during their domination it was called "Medina Antecaria".
The importance that the Kingdom of Castille gave to the reconquest of the town was so great, that Fernando, the Regent of Castille, who ruled the Kingdom on behalf of his nephew Juan II, took on himself the duty, from then on he was known as Fernando of Antequera.
After the conquest, and by Royal decree of 9th.
November 1441, it was declared City.