The Origins and Usage of Iberia and Hispania: Geographical and Historical Insights
Confusion often arises when discussing the names of regions in the Iberian Peninsula. While many might refer to the entire region as Iberia, historically, Spain (often called Hispania) and Portugal have distinct etymologies and classifications. This article explores the origins of these terms and their evolution over time.
Understanding the Etymology: Iberia vs Hispania
Spain is not called Iberia. Spain is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula, which is also the same as the ancient name of Hispania. The terms Iberia and Hispania are closely related but have different origins, reflective of the cultures that first named the region.
Iberia is derived from an Old Greek term, referring to the entire peninsula, including parts of what is now Portugal. The name is associated with the river Ebro, which runs through northeastern Spain and southernmost France, where the original term is also tied.
Hispania, on the other hand, is a Latin denomination of the Fenice name. The term is rooted in ancient Roman geography, adopted from the Phoenicians as I-Sphania. This name later evolved to become Hispania, the name used by the Romans to refer to the entire peninsula.
Geographical and Historical Context
Iberia refers to the name given by the ancient Greeks to the entire peninsula, including Portugal. The Greeks named the region based on the influential river Ebro, one of the longest rivers in the Iberian Peninsula. This term is also used to refer to the national airline of Spain, IBE, serving as a legacy of the ancient name.
Hispania is the term used by the Romans to refer to the entire peninsula, a name that was also adopted by the Visigoths and later medieval kingdoms. It is the Roman Latin name for modern-day Spain, the Spanish term Espa?a, and the English term Spain.
Note that Portugal derives its name from Portus Cale, a name given to the actual city of Porto by the Romans. The name 'Portugal' roughly translates to 'Port of Cale.'
Colonial and Modern Usage
During the colonial period, there were several places in Roman geography that were prefixed with the term Iberia. The most notable of these were Iberia Hispania and Iberia Caucasia. Despite their name, the latter of the two, Iberia Caucasia, does not have a clear explanation for being dropped in later nomenclature.
Hispania by definition covers the whole of the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing modern-day Spain and Portugal. While Iberia retains its geographical significance, it is also used as a term to describe the entire peninsula. The term Hispania-Spain describes the modern country that emerged from the joining of the various kingdoms in the medieval period, aspiring to be a significant power in the world and in Europe post-Middle Ages.
Conclusion: Unified Peninsula with Diverse Names
The terms Iberia and Hispania reflect the diverse cultures and histories that have shaped the Iberian Peninsula over thousands of years. While Iberia has a more ancient Greek origin, Hispania evolved under Roman influence. Geographically, both terms describe the entire Iberian Peninsula, but they carry distinct connotations and historical significance.
The use of these terms continues to be relevant in both historical and cultural contexts, reflecting the rich and complex history of the region.