indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Settlement
Usage English, Spanish, Portuguese
Meaning & History
The settlement below Jebel Musa was later renamed for the seven hills around the site, collectively referred to as the "Seven Brothers". In particular, the Roman stronghold at the site took the name "Fort at the Seven Brothers". This was gradually shortened to Septem or, occasionally, Septum or Septa. These clipped forms continued as Berber Sebta and Arabic Sabtan or Sabtah, which themselves became Ceuta in Portuguese and Spanish.