Why is Gibraltar called one of the Pillars of Hercules?
Short answer
In classical mythology, the two great rocks on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar marked the edge of the known world and were called the Pillars of Hercules. The Rock of Gibraltar, known to the ancients as Calpe, is the northern pillar; the southern pillar is on the African coast.
Detailed answer
In classical mythology, two mountains guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean were the Pillars of Hercules, marking the edge of the known world.
- Northern pillar: the Rock of Gibraltar, known in antiquity as Calpe.
- Southern pillar: Abila, on the African coast, usually identified as Jebel Musa in Morocco or Monte Hacho in Ceuta.
On a clear day you can see Africa from Europa Point and the Upper Rock.