The Madaba Map locates Gaza and describes it as a splendid town with columned streets and a basilica.
Tabula Peutinger locates it 15 miles from Askalon (K. 22:15).
It had suffered under Diocletian but had a bishop at Nicea ( Historia Ecclesiastica VIII, 13, 5).
The region of Gaza was important in the Onomasticon and the Roman road system (cf. Jerome's Epistle 108:11). The city is probably still ghazzeh .
The Greeks and after them, Jerome, seems to have distinguished another older Gaza. Jerome for some literalistic theological reasons does not expect such a splendid city to still exist after all the prophetic woes pronounced against it. Some suggest this old site was Bethaglaim (K. 48:19).
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names "Gaza his strength" (66) and "Gaza strength, but probably one should know that the Hebrews do not have as the first letter a consonant, but the word begins with a vowel and is pronounced Aza" (87).
304. Gergasei (Gergasi). Deuteronomy 7:1; K. 64:1; L. 252:68.
Textual variants: Gergesa (Greek) and Gargasi (Latin).
This is equated with an important city in Arabia (Coele Syria) called Gerasa. Some falsely equate it with Gadara (K. 74:10). Both were cities of the Dekopolis (K. 80:16). The equation with Gerasa, probably modern Jerash, seems more correct than with the city Galaad (K. 62:2) since the Onomasticon locates it as near Galaad (Josh 12:5). This Gergasei is distinct in the Onomasticon from the New Testament site (K. 74:13) (cf. Mark 5:1).
Gerasa has been well excavated to become known as the "Pompeii of Palestine." According to the Onomasticon the Jabbok flowed between it and Philadelphia only four miles from Gerasa (K.102:22). Many villages depended on it in Roman-Byzantine times.
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names "Gergesaeum, attached to the farm" (87).
305. Gadgada. Deuteronomy 10:7; K. 64:5; L. 253:73.
A simple entry with no real identity or location (cp. Gadgad (K. 62:20)).
Either this or the next entry out of order and suspect as late additions.
306. Gaulōn or Gōlan (Gōlam). Deuteronomy 4:43; K. 64:6; L. 253:75.
The city gave its name to a region in Roman times, but is not used as such by the Onomasticon since it apparently overlaps the region Batauaia (K. 44:10). The city may possibly be located at Sahem el Jolan cf. Joshua 20:8. See previous entry.
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names "Gaulon, his rolling about" (87).
307. Gaibal (Gebal). Deuteronomy 11:29; K. 64:9; L. 253:79.
Textual variant Gebal (Greek).
This and the following entry can be treated together. The Onomasticon begins by recording the simple biblical information here.
The generally accepted tradition is to follow the Samaritan tradition as given here. The two mountains are on either side of Neapolis (K. 4:28) and are Jebel es-Slamiyeh and Jebel et Tur . The Madaba Map reflects this tradition by having them near Shechem (K. 150:1) called Garizin and Gōbel. The pilgrims also recognize this identity. "At Neapolis is Mt.Agazaren where the Samaritans say Abraham brought the sacrifice. And to ascend up to the summit are 300 steps. At the foot of the mountain is located a place by the name of Shechem" ( Itin. Bourd. PPT I, 18). Zeno and Justinian built churches on Garizein according to Procopius Buildings V, vii, 5-17. Excavation of this area is going on.
But Eusebius and Jerome prefer to follow an anti-Samaritan location. The Madaba map hesitates between the two opinions and so locates Gebal Garizeini near Ierichō (K. 104:25). The use of the LXX names in Ierichō region and the Aramaic in the Neapolis area may signify some preference. Since Josephus and the later Byzantines had the correct tradition, this rabbinic tradition must have developed in the late first and early second centuries. Procopius 905C is also confused: "This is situated at the Eastern part of Ierichō beyond Galgal" and he continues by denying the Samaritan tradition. Yet in 908A he seems to accept the Samaritan location and tradition. The two mountains near Jericho are probably those above Aqaba jabr sometimes called Tyros and Thrax. The Roman road to Jerusalem passed between them.
In Interpretation of Hebrew Names "Gebal, ancient abyss or stone building" (87).
308. Garizein (Garizin). Deuteronomy 11:29; K. 64:16; L. 242.
See previous entry.