GAZA, in Ancient Geography, a principal city and one of the five satrapies of the Philistines. It was situated about 100 stadia from the Mediterranean, on an artificial mound, and strongly walled round. It was destroyed by Alexander the Great, and afterwards by Antiochus. In the time of the Maccabees it was a strong and flourishing city; but was destroyed a third time by Alexander Jannæus. At present it has a miserable appearance. The buildings are mean, both as to the form and matter. Some remains of its ancient grandeur
grandeur appear in the handsome pillars of Parian marble which support some of the roofs; while others are disposed of here and there, in different parts of almost every beggarly cottage. On the top of the hill, at the north-east corner of the town, are the ruins of large arches sunk low into the earth, and other foundations of a stately building, from whence some of the bathhaws have carried off marble pillars of an incredible size. The castle is a contemptible structure, and the port is ruined. E. Long. 34. 55. N. Lat. 31. 28.