FLAG n.1

The flag has four horizontal stripes:
– the blue stripe on the upper part represents the sea. The colour is exactly that of the waters of the epicentre of the Mediterranean Sea, i.e. the Strait of Messina (captured by Google Earth);
– the three lower black, green and yellow stripes refer to the colours of the Olympic flag and represent the three continents washed by the Mediterranean (Africa, Europe and Asia).
The white olive tree in the centre of the flag spreads its roots throughout those three continents.
I chose the olive tree as a unifying symbol of the whole area as it is the only plant grown throughout the Mediterranean basin. Since ancient times it has been considered not only as the most precious plant in the Mediterranean region, but also a symbol for its lands. It also marks a cultural frontier between the Mediterranean countries and the rest of Europe; the former are regular consumers of olive oil, while the latter rather use butter.

FLAG n.3

The Mediterranean Sea, in short “Mediterranean”, is an intercontinental sea located among Europe, Africa and Asia and connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Gibraltar and to the Red Sea via the Suez Canal
The three horizontal stripes symbolize the three natural elements.
The sun is a symbol of energy and life.
The olive tree is the common element to all the countries that overlook the Mediterranean Sea, a symbol of longevity, peace and strength. In ancient times it was a sacred plant for the Greeks, it was important for distinguished men among the Romans, it was a symbol of justice, wisdom and regeneration for the Jews.
An actual bridge between territories, the Mediterranean region is considered the cradle of some of the most ancient civilizations of our planet, as well as the main stage of history and culture for the Western civilization.
Today it washes 30 countries.