an ancient city, and one of the five fatigues or principalities of the Philistines; situated on the Mediterranean, 43 miles to the south-west of Jerusalem (Antonine), between Azotus to the north and Gaza to the south. The birthplace of Herod the Great, hence named Ascalonita (Stephanus). Famous for its scallions, which take name from this town (Strabo, Pliny). Now Scalona. E. Long. 34° 30'. N. Lat. 31° 30'.