The Hellespont, also known as the Dardanelles, is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey that connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It has great historical significance, serving as a vital waterway for trade and military movements throughout ancient times. The strait is about 61 kilometers long and varies in width, making it a strategic point for various civilizations, including the Greeks and Ottomans. In mythology, the Hellespont is famously linked to the story of Hero and Leander, where Leander swam across the strait nightly to meet his beloved Hero. This romantic tale highlights the strait's cultural importance, as it has inspired countless works of art and literature over the centuries.