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What was Scotland called before?
Scotland, a country located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. One of the questions that often arises when discussing Scotland's history is what the country was called before it became known as Scotland. In this article, we will explore the various names that Scotland has been known by throughout history.
The earliest known name for Scotland is "Caledonia." The name "Caledonia" is derived from the old Latin name for Scotland, which was first used by the Roman historian Tacitus in the 1st century AD. The name "Caledonia" is believed to have been derived from a Celtic word that means 'hard' or 'tough,' possibly referring to the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands.
Another name that Scotland was known by in ancient times is "Alba." The name "Alba" is derived from the Gaelic word for Scotland, and it was used by the kingdom of the Picts, who inhabited Scotland during the early Middle Ages. The name "Alba" is still used in Gaelic today to refer to Scotland.
In addition to "Caledonia" and "Alba," Scotland was also known by the name "Scotia" in the early Middle Ages. The name "Scotia" is derived from the Latin word for the land of the Scots, who were an Irish tribe that settled in western Scotland during the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The name "Scotia" was used by the Norse and English to refer to Scotland during this time period.
During the Middle Ages, Scotland was known by the name "North Britain." This name was used by the Romans to refer to the northern part of the island of Britain, which included what is now Scotland. The name "North Britain" continued to be used by the English and other outsiders to refer to Scotland until the 18th century.
By the 18th century, the name "Scotland" had become the standard name for the country, and it is still used today. The name "Scotland" is believed to be derived from the Latin word for the land of the Scots, "Scotia." The name "Scotland" is now widely recognized as the official name for the country, both internationally and domestically.