Lusitânia

Lusitânia is a historical region located in the Iberian Peninsula, corresponding to modern-day Portugal south of the Douro river and Spanish Extremadura. The name Lusitânia is derived from the Lusitani or Lusitanian people, an Indo-European tribe that lived in the western Iberian Peninsula before it was conquered by the Roman Republic in the 2nd century BC.

History

The Lusitani were a group of Celtic tribes that lived in the region from the Bronze Age until the Roman conquest. They were known for their warrior culture and resistance to Roman rule. The Roman province of Lusitânia was established after the Roman Republic conquered the region in the 2nd century BC. The province was later incorporated into the Roman Empire and was a significant part of the Western Roman Empire.

Geography

Lusitânia was bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, the Douro River to the north, and the Tagus River to the east. The region is characterized by its hilly terrain and fertile valleys, which were ideal for agriculture. The major cities of Lusitânia included Emerita Augusta (modern-day Mérida), Pax Julia (modern-day Beja), and Scallabis (modern-day Santarém).

Culture

The Lusitani were known for their warrior culture, which was heavily influenced by the Celts. They worshipped a pantheon of gods, many of which were similar to the Roman and Greek gods. After the Roman conquest, the Lusitani gradually adopted Roman customs and language, but they also retained many of their own traditions.

Legacy

The legacy of Lusitânia can be seen in modern-day Portugal and Spain. The name "Lusitânia" is still used as a poetic name for Portugal, and the Lusitani are considered the ancestors of the Portuguese people. The region's history and culture have also influenced the architecture, language, and customs of the Iberian Peninsula.