Bible Dictionary
Ashkelon, Askelon
Ashkelon, also called Askelon or Ascalon, was a Philistine seaport on the Mediterranean coast. It was important in biblical, later Jewish, and post-biblical history.
Definition
Ashkelon, also called Askelon or Ascalon, was a Philistine seaport on the Mediterranean coast and one of the five chief cities of Philistia.
Biblical Usage
Ashkelon is associated with Samson’s victory and appears in the territorial and Philistine narratives. In the Apocrypha it is called Ascalon.
Historical Background
The city stood north of Gaza and was noted in later history for its fertility, its temple and sacred lake associated with Derceto, and its role in the struggles of the Crusades.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Apocrypha As’calon (migration), one of the five cities of the Philistines, (Joshua 113:3; 1 Samuel 6:17) a seaport on the Mediterranean, 10 miles north of Gaza. Samson went down from Timnath to Ashkelon. (Judges 14:19) In the post-biblical times Ashkelon rose to considerable importance. Near the town were the temple and sacred lake of Derceto, the Syrian Venus. The soil around was remarkable for its fertility. Ashkelon played a memorable part in the struggles of the Crusades.