For a brief time melbourne had the best name on the planet batmania

For a brief time, Melbourne had the best name on the planet: Batmania.

Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria in Australia, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and diverse population. But did you know that there was a time when Melbourne had a different name, and it was arguably the best name on the planet? That name was “Batmania.”

In the early 19th century, before Melbourne became the bustling city it is today, the area was inhabited by the indigenous Wurundjeri people. However, in the 1830s, an ambitious entrepreneur named John Batman arrived in the region with the intention of establishing a settlement.

Batman, an Australian grazier and businessman, saw the potential for development and wanted to create his own city. He negotiated a deal with the local Aboriginal people to purchase a large tract of land. Batman envisioned this new city as a thriving metropolis and decided to name it after himself, calling it Batmania.

The name Batmania quickly spread across the globe, capturing the imagination of people far and wide. It was seen as a unique and exotic name that embodied the spirit of adventure and the frontier. The name evoked images of superheroes and comic books, making it even more appealing.

However, Batmania’s time in the spotlight was short-lived. In 1837, just two years after the settlement was established, the name was changed to Melbourne. The reasons for the name change are unclear, but it is believed that it was done to avoid confusion with the Batman family name and to establish a more marketable and internationally recognizable identity.

Despite its brief existence, the name Batmania left a lasting impression on the history of Melbourne. Today, it serves as a reminder of the city’s early beginnings and the tenacity of its founding settlers.

In conclusion, for a brief time, Melbourne had the best name on the planet: Batmania. This quirky and captivating name brought attention to the budding settlement and helped put Melbourne on the map. While the name may have changed, Batmania’s legacy lives on as a testament to the city’s rich history and ongoing spirit of innovation and adventure.

Source:

• The UI Junkie: Melbourne: the city that used to be called Batmania