From the prehistory, in the Paleolithic and Neolithic we have record (hand axes, “hand navicular mills”) that prove the human presence in the islands and we also have archaeological remains of settings in the Bronze Age and “cultura castrexa”, with clear evidence of the presence of a Neolithic fortified settlements in As Hortas.
From the Greeks, we have the supposed connection with Cassistérides and the mythical tin islands. From the Roman period we have stone anchors, tiles, pottery, amphoras and even a ring as well as legends linked to the islands of gods and the suspected presence of Julius Caesar in the battle against the Portuguese people of herminios sheltered in Cíes.
From the Middle Ages we have the probable existence of hermitages, chapels, later the donation of the islands to the Catholic church from the Crown. We also know that there were convents is the southern island and in the lighthouse island forming monastic communities of the Benedictine and Franciscan orders who will live in these areas until the 16th century. They were abandoned in the Modern Age because of the constant pirate and corsair attacks which used the islands as a place for attacking, fishing,resting and feeding (Berbers, English and Anglo-Dutch). The most famous one was Drake. Special mention must be given to the battle of Rande in 1702 with legends and wrecked ships like the ship of Santo cristo de Maracaibo.
