"What is, then, this ancient people whose traditions celebrate unflagging valour and which, even in our times, has given so often proof of its heroism? Where do they come from? What is their relation to the other inhabitants of Europe and the rest of the world? These are impossible questions to answer.

The Basques are the mysterious race par excellence. They are alone among the multitude of the rest of mankind. They have no known family."

Elisée RECLUS
French writer and geographer (1830- 19o5)