(Jamiʾ al-Kebir), also originally a Christian church; the Jamiʾ al-Sayid Hashim, containing the tomb of Hashim; and the sanctuary of Abu al-ʾAzm ("The Father of Strength"), with the reputed tomb of Samson.
Ascalon.—Ascalon is best reached from the town of Mejdel, which lies on the railway (kilo. 259). One of the most important of the Philistine cities, a seat of the worship of Derketo, and the birthplace of Herod the Great, Ascalon has a long and varied history from the time of Joshua until its final destruction by Bibars in 1270.
It is perhaps worthy of mention that onions were always extensively cultivated at Ascalon, which, through its Latin name Ascalonia and the Norman form Escallion, has given the word shallot to the English language.
Excavations were undertaken at Ascalon by the Palestine Exploration Fund in 1920–21. A large public building of fine workmanship in good classical style was uncovered near the crossing of the central routes in the area. It is identified with the cloisters that Herod the Great is said to have set up, and is connected with the Senate House, of apsidal plan (as at Samaria); the whole was more than a hundred yards in length, and was adorned with statuary and Corinthian columns of considerable beauty. A museum of the antiquities is to be found on the spot, where there is also a guard of the Department of Antiquities. The inscriptions recording decisions of the Senate (or Boulé) and the smaller statues have been removed to the Museum in Jerusalem. Other excavations were of a scientific character and the results are not visible. The site as a whole repays a thorough inspection. The circuit of the ramparts is about two miles; they form a semicircle facing the sea. Numerous columns and capitals, remains of a Byzantine church, Crusaders' buildings, and other antiquities are visible.
Tel al-Safi.—North-east of Mejdel, commanding the outlet of the great Wadi al-Sant. (Valley of Mimosa; probably the Valley of Elah of 1 Samuel, xvii., 2), stands Tel al-Safi, which has been identified with the Philistine city of Gath. Here stood the Crusaders' castle of Blanchegarde; the
