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Cave paintings provide evidence of prehistoric settlement in the area of Morella. Traces of early Phoenician and Greek trading (and influences) can be found, but the greatest amount of early archaeological finds are Roman buildings, pottery and coins. The settlement of this area is even recorded by Pliny
Most of Spain fell under Arab domination and, in 714 AD the town was given the Arab name of Maurela. Muslim power started to falter by the year 1117 and full authority was finally wrested by Christians in 1232 …thanks to the efforts of one Don Blasco of Alagón along with five other nobles in a surprise attack. The king (James I) was reluctant to allow Don Blasco to retain control of Morella and took it away from him in 1250.
Morella was to become an important administrative centre for the area and a temporary political vacuum, meant that nine nobles were placed in the position of appointing a new king. Morella had a representative in these deliberations, a Cardinal Ram of Huesca (due in no small part to the support of Pope Benedict XIII). A flourishing wool trade with Italy gave Morella a powerful seat at the court of Valencia …this is depicted in the city's heraldry.
During the Germanias war, in the XVI century, the city was loyal to King Carlos I. In the different military conflicts that shook Spain, Morella became of strategic importance because of its defences. In 1809 Morella was invaded by French troops and occupied until, in 1813. Guerrilla warfare followed and the army commanded by General Elío managed recapture the city. Little is known of Morella's significance during the Carlist wars of the 19th century but it became something of a beacon for uprisings that took place in the northernmost regions of Castellón. In 1840, however, Morella was captured by General Espartero after a long seige. In 1849 the local government of Maestrazgo was created with its capital in Morella. History records changes in governmental structure following this time and (in 1833) led to the development of the semi-autonomous regions that form an essential part of the Spanish government today.
The Spanish civil war did incalculable damage to Morella and served to accelerate the already gradual abandonment of the place. Only tourism has brought about a resurgence and growth of the city …all of Morella's previous economic and political power is just a memory.
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