Meaning of the word Antilles

The term "Antilles" refers to a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea, which are divided into two main groups: the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. The Greater Antilles includes larger islands like Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, while the Lesser Antilles consists of smaller islands, many of which are volcanic in origin. The name itself is believed to derive from the Spanish term "Antillas," which may have been influenced by the mythological "Islands of Antillia" thought to exist in the Atlantic. The Antilles are known for their rich culture, history, and biodiversity.