The Mediterranean Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is almost completely surrounded by land. Europe borders it to the north, Africa to the south, and Asia to the east. It's connection to the Atlantic Ocean is only 14 km, or 9 mi, wide. It was an important route for merchants and travelers of ancient times, allowing trade and cultural exchange between emergent peoples of the regions. "For the three quarters of the globe, the Mediterranean Sea is similarly the uniting element and the center of World History."