In the novel Las Sergas de Esplandian (Avanture Esplandian), Spanish writer Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo describes California as an island east of Asia, ruled by Queen Calafia. It is believed that California was named after Queen Calafia, in the 16th century. Queen Calafia ruled over "the island nation" made up of women, and the only metal was gold. Calafia is a name derived from the Spanish Califa, taken from the Arabic Khalif.