The mythical island of Antillia, a beacon of hope for Christian refugees fleeing the 8th-century Muslim conquest of Spain, weaves a fascinating narrative through the annals of cartography and exploration. Appearing on navigational maps as early as the 14th century, this phantom land, sometimes depicted with precise geographical details, served as a potent symbol of a pristine Christian sanctuary, a place where its inhabitants lived in abundance, untouched by earthly strife. Its very name, possibly the etymological root of the Caribbean's "Antilles," hints at a profound and lasting impact on geographical terminology.

Through the centuries, Antillia's portrayal on maps evolved, each iteration adding new layers to its enigmatic identity. Early Venetian charts from the 1300s hinted at its existence, while a 1424 map by Zuane Pizzigano clearly positioned a rectangular Antillia, complete with a surrounding archipelago, just beyond the Azores. This elusive island even found its way onto Martin Behaim's 1492 globe, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, further cementing its place in the geographical imagination despite its purely theoretical nature. Legends associated with Antillia tell of an archbishop and six bishops, along with their congregants, seeking refuge from the encroaching Islamic forces, establishing seven distinct settlements on its shores. These narratives were later embellished by cartographers and historians, describing the island as a continuation of Spanish culture and language, and even linking it to a real Visigothic figure, Sacaru, who reputedly led refugees to Atlantic islands.

The enduring mystery of Antillia has spawned numerous theories, each attempting to reconcile its persistent appearance on maps with its lack of physical discovery. Some scholars propose a link between the Antillia myth and the later Spanish obsession with the "Seven Cities of Gold" in the New World, suggesting that the legend migrated westward. Others theorize that Antillia might refer to existing island groups like the Azores or Madeira, though cartographical evidence often contradicts this. A compelling alternative posits that Antillia could be the Savage Islands, an uninhabited archipelago in the Atlantic, or even a metaphorical representation of Portugal itself. This latter idea suggests that Antillia was an invention, designed either to offer spiritual solace to besieged Christians or to encourage their exodus from Moorish Iberia. Regardless of its true origin, Antillia stands as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown, reflecting hopes, fears, and the powerful role of myth in shaping exploration and discovery.

The story of Antillia serves as a profound reminder of the human spirit's capacity for hope and resilience in the face of adversity. In times of profound societal upheaval and loss, the creation of such a mythical haven highlights a fundamental human need for sanctuary, stability, and the preservation of cultural identity. This narrative inspires us to recognize that even in the absence of tangible proof, the power of belief and the pursuit of a better future can drive individuals and communities to embark on extraordinary journeys, both literal and metaphorical. It underscores the enduring human desire to find or create places where ideals of peace, prosperity, and freedom can flourish, reminding us that the pursuit of these ideals, whether on a charted island or within our own communities, remains a noble and timeless endeavor.