Hispania: Rome's Iberian Province

Hispania was the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula. Under the Republic it was split into two provinces.

The origin of the word Hispania is unknown. Phoenicians were not picky about branding.

Roman coins struck from Hadrian's reign show a female figure with a rabbit at her feet.

Roman coins here featured a rabbit.

Roman armies invaded the peninsula in 218 BC. Emperor Augustus completed the conquest in 19 BC.

Hispania served as a granary and exported gold, silver, wheat, olive oil, wine, and garum. Fermented fish sauce travels well.

Three Roman emperors were born in Hispania. Trajan, Hadrian, and Theodosius all came from the peninsula.

Latin remained the official language for over 600 years. Rome rebranded the entire peninsula.