Why does the Caspian Sea have this name if it is a lake?

The Caspian Sea, known for its vastness, has intrigued many people throughout history because of its strange name. Despite its name, This “sea” is, for all intents and purposes, a giant lake.

However, the reason behind this apparent contradiction is more complex than it appears at first glance. To understand why it is called “the sea”, it is necessary to explore its geography, geology and historical context And cultural. Not to mention the environmental challenges it faces.

Geographic origins and nomenclature

The Caspian Sea, with an area of ​​more than 371,000 square kilometers, is larger than some seas in terms of surface area. Its name is derived from the ancient Caspian peoplea tribe that inhabited the southwestern region of the lake.

The Caspian Sea occupies the western part of the Ural-Caspian Depression, of which it is part It is the largest endorheic basin on EarthIts surface is 28 meters below sea level. They are the remains of the Tethys Ocean from the Mesozoic era It is currently the largest inland body of water in the world, covering an area larger than Germany or Japan.

It extends about 1,210 km from north to south, and between 210 and 436 km from west to east. In addition to, RAt an average depth of about 170 mBut the deepest areas in the southern part of this majestic stretch are more than 1,000 metres.

Why was it considered a sea since ancient times?

Historically, the term “sea” has been used to describe large bodies of salty water. Although the Caspian Sea is less salty than the oceans, Its breadth justifies this designation in the context of antiquity.

Since the Greek and Roman era, The Caspian Sea was a center of trade and culture. Strabo and other classical geographers referred to it as a sea due to its important trade routes and huge size.

Who was Strabo?This famous Greek geographer, historian, and philosopher lived during the Hellenistic period, roughly between 64 BC and 24 AD, and is best known for his “Geography” (also known as “Geographica”), an extensive work in which he described and analyzed. The known world of your time.

Moreover, the naming also reflects the strategy of ancient societies and kingdoms to highlight the importance of this waterway in regional geopolitics. Geographically, it is an enormous inland lake, the largest on the planet..

Scientific and environmental impacts

From a scientific point of view, The classification of the Caspian Sea as a lake has major implicationsEspecially with regard to international legislation and environmental protection.

Lakes and seas are subject to various regulations that affect natural resource management, habitat conservation and regulation of industrial emissions. The uniqueness of the Caspian Sea lies in its unique ecosystem, which is home to endemic species such as the white sturgeonfamous for its precious caviar eggs.

Serious problems you face

The Caspian Sea is currently facing several serious environmental challenges, namely: Low water levels and pollution. These problems not only threaten the lake's biodiversity, but also affect the local communities that depend on it for their livelihoods.

Recognizing the importance of the Caspian Sea as a “sea” in terms of its conservation It can help give greater visibility to these issues at the international levelAnd strengthen coordinated action to solve them.