Portugal

Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe. It is a part of the Iberian Peninsula, along with Spain. The capital is Lisbon.

History

According to Shahrizad, Gathelus arrived on the Iberian peninsula in ancient times along with his wife Scota, four sons, and the Stone of Destiny. Consequently, the name "Portugal" eventually came about from the initial name of "Port of Gathelus". During their time in Portugal, Gathelus and Scota had four more sons. Gathelus eventually died and was laid to rest in a stone sarcophagus. Scota and her sons left Portugal soon after, taking the Stone of Destiny with them. ("The Rock")

In the Spring of 1109, Norse King Sigurd Magnusson and his fleet of sixty ships attacked the port of Lisbon. ("Fortune Favors the Brave...")

Real World Background

Legends aside, the name 'Portugal' is derived from the Roman-Celtic name of 'Portus Cale', when the Romans captured the Iberian peninsula in 200 BC during the Second Punic War. The name itself refers to the settlement as a port and referencing either the Galleci peoples that lived in the peninsula, or their Celtic goddess, Cala. It is also possible that name also evolved from the settlement's description as 'Portus Gallus', the port of the Gauls.

See Also

• Portugal at Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia