Why the Roman Empire named a peninsula after its rabbits
In short: The name Hispania reveals an ancient ecological reality: a land defined by an overwhelming abundance of rabbits. This documentary explores how these small mammals remain vital to the survival of Spain's most iconic predators today.
Over two thousand years ago, the Iberian Peninsula was known as Hispania, a name literally translating to 'Land of Rabbits.' This designation was born from the extraordinary density of rabbit populations during the Roman era.
While the landscape has changed since antiquity, rabbits continue to serve as a foundational pillar of the local ecosystem. The film examines their critical role in supporting the survival of several emblematic predatory species across the Iberian Peninsula.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Hispania: Land of Rabbits | Go Wild
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