The phrase "Pillars of Hercules" refers to the two rocky promontories on either side of the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. This term has been used since ancient times to represent the boundary of the known world. The Pillars have also been a symbol of power and strength, and have featured in numerous mythological stories. Synonyms for this phrase include the "Gateway to the Mediterranean," the "Rock of Gibraltar," and the "Strait of Gibraltar." These terms all share the same meaning and signify the divide between Europe and Africa, as well as the connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.