The term "the Mediterranean world" refers to the geographic region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It encompasses a diverse range of cultures and histories spanning from ancient times to the present day. Synonyms for this phrase include "Mediterranean basin," "Mediterranean region," and "Mediterranean lands." Other related terms include "the Levant," which refers specifically to the eastern Mediterranean region, and "Mare Nostrum," which means "our sea" in Latin and was used in ancient times to refer to the Mediterranean as the center of the known world. These terms highlight the importance of the Mediterranean region as a crossroads of cultures and a source of economic and cultural influence throughout history.