Final answer:
The Romans invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 215 BCE, bringing the Latin language which evolved into Spanish.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Romans invaded the Iberian Peninsula in 215 BCE and imposed their language, culture, institutions, laws, and values. The language they spoke was Latin, which over time evolved into the Romance languages, including Spanish which emerged following the fall of the Roman Empire.
Understanding the Iberian Peninsula's history is essential to fully grasp the cultural and societal transformations that occurred in the Americas after European contact, especially given the Spanish and Portuguese influence following the colonial period.