The Rock of Gibraltar is a small peninsula at the southernmost tip of the Spain, overlooking the north African coast. It was occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians and then Romans. However, the first permanent inhabitants arrived with the invasion of Spain by the Moors in 711. In 1704 the Rock of Gibraltar was captured from Spain by English and Dutch forces and was ceded to the English Crown in 1713. Despite many attempts to recapture Gibraltar, the Rock has always remained steadfast in the face of hostility. During the Second World War it was the only territory in western Europe that remained under Allied control. The saying "as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar" is well deserved and hard earned. The Rock runs north to south for nearly 3 miles and is 1.5 miles wide. Its highest point is 1,396 feet. Although small a thriving population of 30,000 people live on the Rock with 20,000 being native Gibraltarians. Over the centuries Gibraltar's geographical position has attracted the attention of conquering armies, resulting in an exceptional military heritage and ethnic mix. However, long before Man had any bellicose intent, nature had colonised the Rock. With over 600 species of flowering plants and a comparable number of fauna, the Rock of Gibraltar is blessed with a richness of Nature. Geologically the Rock is also of great interest with over 140 known caves. The largest and most impressive being St Michael's Cave. Remains of Neanderthal and Neolithic occupation have been uncovered in some of these caves.