The origins of Evora date from Celtic times. Under Roman domination the city was called Liberalitas Julia. The Visigothic period followed until the early 8th century when it came under Moorish rule, which ended with the reconquest in 1165. The kings of Portugal, in particular the Avis dynasty (1385-1580), had a seat in the city. In the golden age, mainly the 15th and 16th centuries, Evora was one of the most important cities in Portugal. The Jesuit University of the Holy Spirit was founded in 1559 and was closed in 1759. It reopened as University in 1973.