Libyan Sea

Between Crete and the African coast lies the open water of the Libyan Sea. The southern shore of Crete is backed by mountains, while the great Mesara plain opens westward towards this sea. The Ieropotamos crosses the plain and reaches the water near the ancient settlement of Kommos. Across the sea to the south lies Cyrenaica, its Green Mountain rising above the shores of North Africa. Sailors crossing between Crete and Cyrenaica met open water far from the protection of land.