or MERV, a town of Turkestan, province of Khiva, situated on the caravan road between Meshed and Bokhara, about 12 miles E. of the Moorghab, and 300 S.E. of Khiva. The town was originally founded by Alexander the Great; but having been destroyed, it was rebuilt by Antiochus L and received the name of Antiochia Margiana. The captive soldiers of Crassus were settled here by Orodes. In after times it was one of the four imperial cities of Khorassan, and many of the Persian monarchs made it their capital; but in 1786 it was taken and sacked by the Usbecks—a blow from the effects of which it has never recovered. The surrounding country, which bears the name of Marochoak, was formerly celebrated for its fruits; but it is extremely unhealthy. The population is estimated at 3000.