The Key of the Mediterranean
Preserved but no longer current.
The Rock of Gibraltar, which commands the entrance be- tween Europe and Africa. It was taken from the Spaniards by a combined British and Dutch force under Sir George Rooke, July 24th, 1704. Spain attempted to retake the Rock in 1705, 1736, and 1779-83 when it was held throughout the lengthy siege by Lord Heathfield (1717-90). See also MARE NOSTRUM.
Era: ca. 1898 (Victorian)
Sources & notes
Reproduced from Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898 edition, public domain; archive.org, retrieved 2026-07-31; OCR text, minor errors possible). Reflects the scholarship and attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “The Key of the Mediterranean” mean?
The Rock of Gibraltar, which commands the entrance be- tween Europe and Africa. It was taken from the Spaniards by a combined British and Dutch force under Sir George Rooke, July 24th, 1704. Spain attempted to retake the Rock in 1705, 1736, and 1779-83 when it was held throughout the lengthy siege by Lord Heathfield (1717-90). See also MARE NOSTRUM.
Is “The Key of the Mediterranean” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.