Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is an extension of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Europe and Africa. It is connected to the rest of the Atlantic by the Straits of Gibralter, and connects to the Black Sea naturally via the Bosphorous and to the Red Sea (an extension of the Indian Ocean) through the Suez Canal. The Mediterranean is almost completely enclosed from the Atlantic, so its currents and weather are less severe, making navigation on it easier. In addition, its influence makes the climates of the regions surrounding it warmer and wetter.

For these reasons, the Mediterranean was an excellent environment for the development of early civilizations. The Phonecians, Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all lived on the shores of the Mediterranean and used it for trade. Today it is still an important trade route, and is very important in the geography of both Southern Europe and North Africa.