Kassiterides

The Kassiterides, also known as the Cassiterides or Tin Islands, is a name given by ancient Greek and Roman writers to a group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, believed to be the source of tin. The precise location of these islands is a subject of considerable debate among historians and archaeologists.

Various theories place the Kassiterides in different regions. Some scholars suggest they were the Scilly Isles off the coast of Cornwall in England, where tin mining has a long history. Others propose they might have been located in the Iberian Peninsula, possibly off the coast of modern-day Spain or Portugal, also known for its ancient tin deposits. There is also speculation that the name might refer to a broader region rather than specific islands, encompassing areas where tin was traded.

The name "Kassiterides" itself is derived from the Greek word for tin, "kassiteros." The islands were important because tin was a crucial metal in the Bronze Age, used to create bronze when alloyed with copper. The trade routes for tin were extensive and played a significant role in the economic and political landscape of the ancient world. The mystery surrounding the exact location of the Kassiterides highlights the challenges in reconstructing ancient geography and trade networks.