Ridiculous History CLASSIC: California Was Named for a Fictional Island Ruled by a Black Amazon Queen
Nov 9, 2024
Discover the quirky origins of California’s name, rooted in a fanciful island ruled by a Black Amazon queen. The hosts reveal how 16th-century literature and exploration shaped early perceptions of the state. From Cortez's expeditions to cultural influences, the narrative intertwines myth and history. Delve into the legacy of Queen Calafia and her impact on California's identity, including current movements to change the state seal. With humor and insight, the tale blends California's lively culture with its outrageous past.
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Fiction Named A Real Place
- The name "California" likely comes from Garci Rodríquez de Montalvo's 1510 novel about an island ruled by a Black Amazon queen, Calafia.
- Spanish explorers like Hernán Cortés adopted the fictional name when they mistook Baja California for an island.
Maps Mixed Myth And Fact
- The connection between the novel and the place was obscured until the 19th century but influenced early cartography and naming.
- Cortés and his contemporaries often treated fiction and travel narratives as plausible geographic sources.
Story Mirrors Colonial Attitudes
- Montalvo's portrayal exoticized and sexualized Calafia while ultimately converting her to Christianity, reflecting colonial attitudes.
- The novel mirrors conquest-era narratives that justify conversion and control of indigenous peoples.