The Holy Land: Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, & Nubia. Vol. 2

1855

Special Collections DS107 RM28

London: Day & Son

‘The aspect of Gaza is imposing at a distance. As usual in Oriental cities, the illusion vanishes on entrance. But its connexion with the caravans renders it a place of considerable traffic, and consequently of considerable opulence.’ So writes David Roberts in his entry on Gaza, one of the earliest cities of Canaan mentioned in the Old Testament (Genesis X, 19). Gaza has always benefitted from its position, strategically placed as a key entrepôt for trade and commerce, not only for those traversing along the spice route, but also with local Arab and Bedouin tribes.