Ulla (river) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ulla River |
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River Ulla
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Ulla river basin (dark blue)
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| Country | Spain |
| State | Galicia (Spain) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Montes da Vacaloura, Monterroso, Province of Lugo |
| Length | 132 km (82 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 2,803 km2 (1,082 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Ulla River (called río Ulla in both Galician and Spanish) is an important river located in Galicia, Spain. It's one of the longest and most significant rivers in this region.
Contents
All About the Ulla River
The Ulla River is a major waterway in northwest Spain. It plays a big role in the geography and history of Galicia.
Where the Ulla River Flows
The Ulla River starts its journey in the mountains of Galicia. Its exact starting point is sometimes said to be Antas de Ulla. Other times, it's given as the nearby town of Monterroso.
From its source, the river flows until it reaches the Ría de Arosa. This is a large, arm-shaped inlet of the sea. The Ulla River is about 132 kilometers (82 miles) long.
River Size and Tributaries
The area drained by the Ulla River is called its basin. This basin covers about 2,803 square kilometers (1,082 square miles). It is the largest river basin in Galicia, after the Minho River.
Many smaller rivers flow into the Ulla River. These are called tributaries. Important tributaries include the Deza River and the Arnego River. Other rivers joining the Ulla are the Pambre, Furelos, and Sar rivers.
Discoveries Along the Ulla
The Ulla River is very special to archaeologists. These are scientists who study human history through old objects. Many ancient items have been found along the Ulla River. Some of these discoveries date back to the Neolithic period. This was a time long ago when people first started farming.
Archaeologists have found remains consistently at two main spots. One is where the Ulla River flows out. The other is at the mouth of the Ría de Arousa estuary. Rock carvings, which are pictures carved into stone, have also been discovered here.
The Ulla River is also known for "watery hoards." These are collections of valuable objects that were placed in the river or near its mouth a long time ago. Finding so many of these hoards makes the Ulla River very important for understanding ancient times in the Iberian Peninsula.
What "Ulla" Means
The name "Ulla" comes from a very old European word. It is believed to be linked to the ancient Indo-European root *wel-. This root means 'wheel' or 'rotate'. In old records from the year 906, the river was called "(fluvius) Volia". This name likely came from an even older form, *Wulia.
