Syrtis

Syrtis, the ancient name of two gulfs of the Mediterranean Sea, on the north coast of Africa. The Syrtis Major, now called the Gulf of Sidra, lies between Tripoli and the tableland of Barca, and forms the most southern part of the Mediterranean. The Syrtis Minor, now called the Gulf of Cabes, lies between Tunis and Tripoli. The shores of both are inhospitable, and abound in quicksands.