TARTESSOS Meaning and
Definition
-
Tartessos refers to an ancient region and civilization located in what is now known as southwestern Spain and southern Portugal, dating back to the first millennium BCE. It is also the name of the capital city of this civilization. Tartessos is often regarded as one of the earliest urban societies in Europe and played a significant role in Mediterranean trade and cultural exchange during its heyday.
The civilization of Tartessos is shrouded in some mystery due to limited archaeological evidence. Despite this, historians and scholars have pieced together a general understanding of the culture based on artifacts, ancient texts, and Greek and Roman accounts. Tartessos was renowned for its wealth, particularly in metals such as gold, silver, and copper. It had a flourishing trade network, commercial relations with nearby societies, and connections to Phoenician and Greek traders.
The exact location and boundaries of Tartessos remain debatable, with various theories and archaeological findings pointing to different areas along the Guadalquivir River, down to the Gulf of Cadiz and adjacent regions. The civilization gradually declined around the 6th century BCE, likely due to factors like shifts in trade routes, natural disasters, or political changes.
In summary, Tartessos refers to an ancient region and civilization in southwestern Spain and southern Portugal, known for its wealth, trade connections, and historical significance in the Mediterranean world during the first millennium BCE.
Etymology of TARTESSOS
The etymology of the word "Tartessos" is uncertain and debated among scholars. Tartessos is the name of an ancient civilization and city-state that existed in the region of modern-day Andalusia in southern Spain during the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
Some theories suggest that the name Tartessos could have derived from the ancient Phoenician and Carthaginian term "Tartessus", which was used to refer to a powerful and prosperous city in the region. The Phoenicians were known to have established trade links with Tartessos and other parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
Another theory proposes that the name Tartessos may have originated from the Tartessian language, an ancient, non-Indo-European language believed to have been spoken in the area. However, it is important to note that the Tartessian language has not been deciphered, so this theory remains speculative.
