an ancient city of Spain, province of Seville; on the Xenil (a tributary of the Guadalquivir), which is here crossed by a fine old bridge, 53 miles E.N.E. of Seville. Pop. 23,722. It was a considerable city in the time of the Romans, by whom it was called Astigo; and, according to Pliny and Pomponius Mela, was the rival of Cordova and Seville. Many inscriptions and interesting relics of antiquity are to be found in the town and its vicinity. It is surrounded by old walls, and the streets are narrow and crooked; but it has a noble square in its centre adorned with a fine fountain. There are six churches, several of them richly adorned, and many hospitals and monasteries. From the extreme heat of this town, it has acquired the sobriquet of la Sorteilla or the frying-pan. Outside the town near the river is a fine alameda or public promenade, planted with trees, and adorned with statues and fountains. Ecija has manufactures of coarse cloths, linen, and leather; and the vicinity is fertile in corn and wine.