League (unit) facts for kids
A league is an old way to measure length. It was usually the distance a person could walk in about one hour.
The ancient Romans started using the league. It then became a common way to measure distances in western Europe and Latin America.
In countries where English is spoken, a league was usually three miles on land. This is about 4.8 kilometres. At sea, a league was three nautical miles, which is about 5.5 kilometres. However, when you read about leagues, the word often refers to the Spanish, Portuguese, or French league.
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Leagues in Ancient Times
The Romans used the league. They said it was 1.5 Roman miles long. This was about 2.22 kilometres. The idea for the league came from "leuga gallica," which was the league of Gaul. The ancient league was quite short, but over time, this unit of measurement became longer.
Leagues Around the World
Argentina
In Argentina, a league is a distance of 5 kilometres.
Brazil
In Brazil, a league used to be 6 kilometres. However, people do not use this measurement anymore.
France
The French league had different lengths at different times. It could be from about 3.25 kilometres to about 4.68 kilometres. For a while, it was used alongside the metric system. But today, the French league is not used. The French league was also equal to three nautical miles.
Mexico
In the countryside of Mexico, people still use the league. They use it in its original meaning: the distance a person can walk in an hour. So, a league on a good, flat road is longer than a league on a tough, bumpy path.
Spain
The Spanish league was first set at a fixed distance of about 4.2 kilometres. In 1568, Philip II of Spain officially stopped the use of the league. However, in some parts of Latin America, people still use it. Its meaning can be different in various countries.
Images for kids
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Milestone in the Province of Ávila, Spain, showing a distance of 9 leagues to the city of Ávila.
See also
In Spanish: Legua para niños
