# Ashdod, Azotus

## Facts:

Ashdod was one of the five most important cities of the Philistines. It was located in southwestern Canaan near the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between the cities of Gaza and Joppa.

* The temple of the Philistine’s false god Dagon was located in Ashdod.
* God severely punished the people of Ashdod when the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the pagan temple at Ashdod. 
* The Greek name for this city was Azotus. It was one of the cities where the evangelist Philip preached the gospel.

(Translation suggestions: [How to Translate Names](rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names))

(See also: [Ekron](../names/ekron.md), [Gath](../names/gath.md), [Gaza](../names/gaza.md), [Joppa](../names/joppa.md), [Philip](../names/philip.md), [Philistines](../names/philistines.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Samuel 05:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/1sa/05/01)
* [Acts 08:40](rc://en/tn/help/act/08/40)
* [Amos 01:8](rc://en/tn/help/amo/01/08)
* [Joshua 15:45-47](rc://en/tn/help/jos/15/45)
* [Zechariah 09:06](rc://en/tn/help/zec/09/06)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H795, G108
