Hispania

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Hispania was the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula, which includes the modern countries of Spain and Portugal. The term Hispania is derived from the Phoenician word "Ispania," meaning "land of rabbits" or "land of the setting sun." The region was known for its rich natural resources, including silver, gold, and agriculture.

History

Pre-Roman Period

Before the arrival of the Romans, the Iberian Peninsula was inhabited by various tribes, including the Iberians, Celts, and Basques. The Phoenicians and Greeks established trading colonies along the coast, such as Gadir (modern-day Cádiz) and Emporion (modern-day Empúries).

Roman Conquest

The Roman conquest of Hispania began in 218 BCE during the Second Punic War against Carthage. The Romans divided the peninsula into two provinces: Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior. Over time, these provinces were further subdivided into Hispania Tarraconensis, Hispania Baetica, and Hispania Lusitania.

Romanization

The process of Romanization in Hispania involved the spread of Latin, Roman law, and Roman culture. Many cities, such as Emerita Augusta (modern-day Mérida) and Corduba (modern-day Córdoba), became important centers of Roman administration and culture.

Post-Roman Period

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE, Hispania was invaded by various Germanic tribes, including the Visigoths, who established the Visigothic Kingdom in the region. The Visigothic rule lasted until the early 8th century when the Umayyad Caliphate began the Muslim conquest of Hispania.

Geography

Hispania was characterized by diverse geographical features, including the Pyrenees mountains in the north, the Guadalquivir River in the south, and the Meseta Central plateau in the center. The region's climate varied from the Mediterranean climate along the coast to the continental climate in the interior.

Economy

The economy of Roman Hispania was based on agriculture, mining, and trade. The region was known for its production of olive oil, wine, and garum (a type of fish sauce). Hispania also had rich mineral resources, including silver mines in Carthago Nova (modern-day Cartagena) and gold mines in Asturia.

Culture

Hispania was a melting pot of various cultures, including Iberian, Celtic, Phoenician, Greek, and Roman influences. The region produced several notable figures in Roman history, such as the emperors Trajan and Hadrian, and the philosopher Seneca the Younger.

Legacy

The legacy of Roman Hispania can still be seen today in the languages, architecture, and legal systems of modern Spain and Portugal. The Latin language evolved into the Romance languages, including Spanish and Portuguese.

Related Pages

• Iberian Peninsula
• Roman Empire
• Visigothic Kingdom
• Umayyad Caliphate
• Second Punic War
• Trajan
• Hadrian
• Seneca the Younger