muskmelons ("cucumis melo") are a type of melon. cantaloupes are a popular type of muskmelon, but there are other types like the honeydew melon. they come from persia (iran) and nearby countries. they were transported west to europe near the time of christ's birth. the name cantaloupe comes from the italian town they were cultivated in: "cantalupo" "nel sannio"