The region of Silves has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic,
as attested by archaeological remains. The river Arade, which was navigable
in historical times, linked the hinterland to the open ocean and allowed
the transport of produce and commerce. The town of Silves (Cilpes)
was possibly founded during the times of Roman domination,
when the region was part of the Lusitania province.
After 713, when the Moors invaded Iberia, Silves became part of the
Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba under the Arabic name of Shilb (شلب).
In the 10th century it was one of the most important towns of
western Al-Andalus.