History of Marchal
Carlos Asenjo refers to Marchal as “La Perla del Alhama”, and the name comes from the Arabic word almarch, meaning plain or cultivated field. The name also appears in the 1504 distribution, as does Mármol in 1514. According to Barcia's General Etymological Dictionary of the Spanish Language (Madrid, 1880–83), the term almarcha comes from the Arabic al-mardj, meaning 'meadow', which is a name of Persian origin.
The town is situated at the foot of an ancient necropolis dating back to the fifth century AD, which was used by communities of monks who later built a monastery there. There are remains from the Roman period within the town's municipal area, although the municipality originated as a medieval farmstead during the period of Muslim domination. The numerous archaeological remains in the area attest to the settlement of prehistoric civilisations. Due to its location on the road from Acci to Granada, which was used by Muslims travelling to Almería, the area suffered many wars for centuries until its conquest at the end of the 15th century.
Following the capitulation of the Kingdom of Zagal in 1489, the town passed to Castile. It became one of the areas with the largest Moorish and Morisco populations, as the lands along the Alhama River were granted to the Moriscos as common property. Following the Morisco rebellion of 1568–70 and their subsequent defeat at the hands of King Juan de Austria (half- brother of King Felipe II), the Moriscos were expelled to Castile and the area was repopulated by Old Christians. Later, during the reign of Philip IV, the town and its lands were sold to various noble families to cover the costs of his numerous wars.
According to the census of 31 October 1571, Marchal del Río Alhama (as it was then known) had a new church with a bell tower and a population of 60. The town had two bakeries and three bread mills and produced 40 ounces of silk. Its borders were not clearly defined, except that they extended from the Rambla de Algoraz, across the Rambla de Xiquena, and along the royal road to Los Baños, through Vélez, Alaraz and Purullena.