Malea
Attested: Ptolemy 2,2,11 Μαλεος (or Μαλαιος), one of 5 Εβουδαι listed with Ireland
Adomnan Malea (3 times in Life of St Columba, see pp 128,129,167 here)
Where: The Scottish island of Islay. (Not Mull.)
Name origin: See here for a general discussion of M-vowel-L ‘protruding, sticking out or up’ in ancient names, one of which was Μαλεα, now called Cape Maleas. Just like its Greek namesake in the south of the Peloponnese, Islay ends in two prongs.
Notes: See here for some general comments on Scottish island names. Islay might have interested the Romans since it has veins of lead.
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Last edited 13 September 2022 to main Menu.