Why they call ibiza and formentera the pitiusas islands
A complete history of Ibiza from prehistoric times to the present day
Recent archaeological diggings prove that the first settlements on Ibiza and Formentera date back to over 3000 years ago. A grave was found on Formentera which dates back to 1600 years B.C. Cave paintings at Ses Fontanelles (north from San Antonio - 800 years B.C.) and bronze axes and discs found near San Juan and San Agustin (700 years B.C.) provide further evidence of these early settlements.
The Carthaginians
In the year 654 B.C. the Carthaginians discovered Ibiza and founded Ibiza Town, making this one of the earliest towns in Europe. The christened the town Ibossim, quite similar to its present day name. Another name for Ibiza which has survived until now comes from the Greeks, who came to Ibiza during the time of the Carthaginians: they called the two islands of Ibiza and Formentera, the Pitiusas - which means the pine-covered island.
The history of Formentera
The Carthaginian people originated in Phoenicia, and became known as the Carthaginians after the founding of the city of Carthage (geographically located in the Tunisia of today). Whilst the Romans called them in Latin, the Punic folk.
The Carthaginians were merchants and traders, and Ibiza became a very important trading centre. Even in those days, Ibiza boasted a large harbour and strong city walls - (although the walls we can see today were built much, much later). The most important of the goods traded was 'White Gold' - Salt. The Salinas which were constructed by the Carthaginians are still used to day to win salt from sea water, by a process of evaporation.
Ibiza also played an important role in the Carthaginian culture as their largest burial grounds. Historians assume that the dead were buried here because there were no wild animals to dig them out again. The burial grounds at Puig des Molins in Ibiza Town is home to the world's largest collection of punic artefacts - most of which have been discovered in graves. A case of the dead being buried with utensils and objects to help them on the way in the next life.
Amongst the Gods of the Carthaginians, the Goddess Tanit enjoys particular fame. She is the Mother of the Gods, the Goddess of the Earth and of fertility. You can see her image on many of the ceramic pots made on Ibiza today.
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