Europe is a continent that has been home to many countries over the centuries, some of which no longer exist. These ancient countries have left behind a rich history and culture that still influences modern-day Europe. In this article, we will explore some of the ancient European country names that have shaped the continent's past.
1. Gaul
Gaul was an ancient region in Western Europe that covered parts of modern-day France, Belgium, and Germany. The Gauls were a Celtic people who were conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Gaul became a Roman province and was later divided into several smaller provinces.
2. Hispania
Hispania was the name given to the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans. It covered modern-day Spain and Portugal and was first conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Hispania was divided into two provinces, Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior.
3. Byzantium
Byzantium was an ancient Greek city that was located on the Bosporus Strait. It was founded in 667 BC and became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, which was later known as the Byzantine Empire. Byzantium was renamed Constantinople in AD 330 and is now known as Istanbul.
4. Etruria
Etruria was an ancient region in Central Italy that covered parts of modern-day Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The Etruscan civilization was one of the most influential in Italy before the rise of the Roman Empire. Etruria was eventually conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
5. Pannonia
Pannonia was a province of the Roman Empire that covered parts of modern-day Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. It was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century AD and was an important center of trade and commerce in the region.
6. Caledonia
Caledonia was the name given by the Romans to the area that is now Scotland. It was inhabited by the Picts, a Celtic people who resisted Roman rule. The name Caledonia comes from the Latin word "Caledonii," which was the name given to the Pictish tribes that lived in the area.
7. Thrace
Thrace was an ancient region in Southeast Europe that covered parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. It was inhabited by the Thracians, a group of Indo-European people who were conquered by the Macedonians in the 4th century BC. Thrace was later conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC.
8. Lusitania
Lusitania was an ancient Roman province that covered parts of modern-day Portugal and Spain. It was named after the Lusitanians, a Celtic people who resisted Roman rule. Lusitania was an important center of trade and agriculture in the region.
9. Scythia
Scythia was an ancient region in Eurasia that covered parts of modern-day Ukraine, Russia, and Kazakhstan. It was inhabited by the Scythians, a group of nomadic people who were known for their horsemanship and archery skills. Scythia was conquered by the Persians in the 6th century BC.
10. Dacia
Dacia was an ancient kingdom that covered parts of modern-day Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria. It was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century AD and became a province of the Roman Empire. Dacia was an important center of mining and agriculture in the region.
11. Samnium
Samnium was an ancient region in Southern Italy that covered parts of modern-day Campania, Molise, and Abruzzo. The Samnites were a group of Italic people who resisted Roman rule for several centuries. Samnium was eventually conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC.
12. Epirus
Epirus was an ancient Greek kingdom that was located in the western part of modern-day Greece and Albania. It was ruled by the Molossian dynasty and was an important center of trade and culture in ancient Greece. Epirus was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
13. Illyria
Illyria was an ancient region in Southeast Europe that covered parts of modern-day Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. It was inhabited by the Illyrians, a group of Indo-European people who were conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Illyria was an important center of trade and agriculture in the region.
14. Moesia
Moesia was a province of the Roman Empire that covered parts of modern-day Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. It was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century AD and was an important center of trade and commerce in the region.
15. Thessaly
Thessaly was an ancient region in Greece that was located in the northeastern part of the country. It was known for its fertile plains and was an important center of agriculture in ancient Greece. Thessaly was conquered by the Macedonians in the 4th century BC.
16. Noricum
Noricum was an ancient region in Central Europe that covered parts of modern-day Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. It was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC and was an important center of iron production and trade in the region.
17. Arcadia
Arcadia was an ancient region in Greece that was located in the central part of the Peloponnese peninsula. It was known for its rugged terrain and was an important center of pastoralism in ancient Greece. Arcadia was conquered by the Spartans in the 5th century BC.
18. Boeotia
Boeotia was an ancient region in Greece that was located in the central part of the country. It was known for its agricultural production and was an important center of trade and commerce in ancient Greece. Boeotia was conquered by the Macedonians in the 4th century BC.
19. Dalmatia
Dalmatia was an ancient Roman province that covered parts of modern-day Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. It was an important center of trade and commerce in the region and was known for its rich natural resources.
20. Thracian Chersonese
The Thracian Chersonese was an ancient region in Southeast Europe that was located on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It was an important center of trade and commerce in ancient Greece and was known for its strategic location on the Bosporus Strait.