Gulf of Gabes

The Gulf of Gabès opens along the eastern coast of Tunisia. Ancient geographers called it the Lesser Syrtis, distinguishing it from the Greater Syrtis farther east. Its shallow waters cover the African continental shelf, and the tide at Gabès can rise unusually high for the Mediterranean. Djerba and the Kerkennah Islands lie off its shores. At the head of the gulf stood Tacape, the predecessor of Gabès, which Strabo described as an important trading centre.