Gymnesian Islands facts for kids
The Gymnesian Islands are a special name for two of the biggest islands in the Balearic Islands. These islands are Mallorca and Menorca. They are located in the eastern part of the Balearic group.
People use the name "Gymnesian" to tell them apart from other islands. For example, Ibiza and Formentera are called the Pityusic Islands. The Pityusic Islands are also known as the "Pine Islands."
What Does "Gymnesian" Mean?
The word "Gymnesian" comes from an old Greek word, gymnetes. This word means "naked." The ancient Greeks called these islands "Gymnesiae."
An old historian named Diodorus Siculus wrote about this. He said the Greeks used this name because the people living there were naked in the summer.
Ancient Slingers
The Ancient Greeks were very interested in the people from these islands. They hired local fighters called the Talaiotics. These Talaiotics were famous for being excellent slingers.
Some historians believe the name "naked" did not mean they fought without clothes. Instead, it might mean they wore very light armor. This was much lighter than the heavy armor worn by Greek soldiers called hoplites.
How the Islands Got Their Name
Later, a group of people called the Phoenicians came to the islands. They called both Mallorca and Menorca the Baliarides.
After a while, the whole group of islands came under the rule of the Roman Empire. This included both the Pityuses and the Gymnesians. The Romans gave them a new overall name in Latin. They called them Insulae Baliares or Baleares Insulae.
This Roman name is where the modern English name "Balearic Islands" comes from. So, the idea of these islands being a group has continued for a very long time!
See also
In Spanish: Islas Gimnesias para niños
