The Atlantic Ocean’s Name
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean on Earth, covering approximately 20% of the planet’s surface. It is located between the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east, and it is known for its strong currents, hurricanes, and rich marine life. However, the Atlantic Ocean was not always referred to by its current name. In fact, throughout history, various cultures and civilizations have given different names to this vast body of water.
The Origins of Naming the Atlantic Ocean
Naming the Atlantic Ocean dates back to the ancient times, when humans first began to explore the world’s oceans and seas. The naming process was often influenced by various factors, including geography, mythology, and cultural traditions. Many of the earliest names for the Atlantic Ocean came from the people who lived along its shores and depended on it for trade, food, and transportation. Over time, as more civilizations emerged and interacted with each other, the names for the Atlantic Ocean evolved and changed to reflect new perspectives and ideas.
The First Known Name for the Atlantic Ocean
The first known name for the Atlantic Ocean was given by the ancient Phoenicians, who were skilled sailors and traders from modern-day Lebanon. They called the ocean "the Great Sea," which referred to the vastness and importance of this body of water for their commerce and travels. The Greek historian Herodotus also used this name to describe the Atlantic Ocean in his writings, which were written in the 5th century BCE.
The Ancient Greeks’ Name for the Atlantic Ocean
The Ancient Greeks referred to the Atlantic Ocean as "Okeanos," which was a personification of the primeval sea that surrounded the world. According to Greek mythology, Okeanos was the son of the Titans and the father of the river gods and nymphs. The Greeks believed that Okeanos was a vast and mysterious realm that was home to sea monsters, giants, and gods. This name was also adopted by the Romans, who saw the Atlantic Ocean as a continuation of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Roman Name for the Atlantic Ocean
The Romans called the Atlantic Ocean "Mare Atlanticum," which means "the Atlantic Sea" in Latin. This name was first used by the Roman geographer Pomponius Mela in the 1st century CE, and it became widely used during the Roman Empire. The Romans considered the Atlantic Ocean to be a separate body of water from the Mediterranean Sea, and they used it for trade, military expeditions, and exploration.
The Arabic Name for the Atlantic Ocean
In Arabic, the Atlantic Ocean is called "al-Bahr al-Atlantiqi," which means "the Atlantic Sea." This name reflects the influence of Islamic civilization on the naming of the ocean, as the Arabs were great seafarers and traders who explored the oceans extensively. The Arabic name for the Atlantic Ocean is still used today in many Arab countries, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
The Medieval and Renaissance Names for the Atlantic Ocean
During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, the Atlantic Ocean was given several new names, reflecting the changing attitudes and beliefs of Europeans. One of the most popular names was "Oceanus Occidentalis," which means "the Western Ocean." This name was used by European explorers who sailed across the Atlantic to reach the New World, and it emphasized the westward direction of their voyages. Other names for the Atlantic Ocean during this period included "the Sea of Darkness," "the Ocean of Atlas," and "the Sea of the Seven Islands."
The Modern English Name for the Atlantic Ocean
The modern English name for the Atlantic Ocean comes from the ancient Greek term "Atlantikos," which means "of Atlas" or "pertaining to Atlas." In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan who was condemned to hold up the heavens on his shoulders. The name "Atlantic" was first used by the Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (also known as John Cabot) in the late 15th century, and it became widely used in English-speaking countries during the 17th century.
The Evolution of the Atlantic Ocean’s Name
The evolution of the Atlantic Ocean’s name reflects the complex and multifaceted history of human interactions with this vast body of water. From the early Phoenician traders to the modern-day maritime powers, the Atlantic Ocean has been called by many different names, each of which reflects the cultural and historical context of the time. The Atlantic Ocean’s name has evolved along with the changing perspectives and ideas of humanity, and it continues to be a source of fascination and exploration for people around the world.
Other Names for the Atlantic Ocean in Different Languages
Apart from the names discussed above, the Atlantic Ocean has been called by various other names in different languages. In Portuguese, it is known as "ocean Atlântico," while in Spanish, it is called "océano Atlántico." In French, the Atlantic Ocean is called "océan Atlantique," while in German, it is referred to as "Atlantischer Ozean." In Russian, the ocean is called "Atlanticheskiy Okean," and in Chinese, it is known as "Taihe." These names reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and the different ways in which people see and name the Atlantic Ocean.
Conclusion: The Name of the Atlantic Ocean
Throughout history, the Atlantic Ocean has been known by many different names, each of which reflects the cultural, geographical, and historical context of the time. From the ancient Phoenicians to the modern-day explorers, the Atlantic Ocean has inspired people to explore, trade, and discover new lands and cultures. The evolution of the Atlantic Ocean’s name reflects the ever-changing relationship between humans and the natural world, and it reminds us of the rich and diverse history of our planet’s oceans and seas.
References for Atlantic Ocean’s Name Research
- "The Atlantic Ocean." National Geographic Society, 2021, .
- "Atlantic Ocean." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2021, https://www.britannica.com/place/Atlantic-Ocean.
- "Naming the Atlantic Ocean." The Map Room, 2012, https://www.maproomblog.com/2012/03/naming-the-atlantic-ocean/.
- "What is the Origin of the Name Atlantic?" WorldAtlas, 2021, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-origin-of-the-name-atlantic.html.
