Ashdod is a vibrant city and home to many different cultures. A travel guide for Ashdod with both history of the city and maps of the area will help you get around.
Maps of Ashdod
Ashdod is the largest city in the southern region of Israel. The city has a population of over 260,000 people and contains a number of landmarks, including the Ashdod Port and the Meir Amit Intelligence Museum. Ashdod was founded in the late Bronze Age as a fortress on an island at the mouth of the River Jordan. Over the years, it has grown to become one of Israel’s most important cities, both economically and culturally.
The city’s name comes from the ancient Egyptian town of Ashtoroth, which was located on the same site. Under Roman rule, Ashtoroth became known as Aelia Capitolina. The city was captured by Arabs in 636 AD and remained under Muslim rule for over 800 years until it was recaptured by Christians in 1099 AD. Ashdod was subsequently made part of the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem and later passed into Christian hands once again. It served as the capital of the Crusader lordship of Jaffa and Acre until its destruction in 1291 by Mamluks.
The city’s modern history begins with its incorporation into the British Mandate of Palestine in 1920. After World War II, Ashdod experienced rapid growth as a result of the influx of Jews, who made it one of the most important cities in Israel. In 1948 Ashdod was captured by Egyptian forces during a surprise attack on Ben-Gurion’s forces and lay under Egyptian occupation for several months until a ceasefire allowed Israeli troops to retake it.
Ashdod Travel – Map, History and Maps of Ashdod Photo Gallery
What is Ashdod?
Ashdod is an ancient city and the capital of the Ashdod Governorate in Israel. The city was founded by Canaanites in the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age (1500-1200 BC) and first mentioned in Egyptian records in the 18th century BC. It was captured by the Israelites during the 10th century BC and became one of their major commercial and religious centers. In Roman times, it was known as Ascola or Ascalon.
The population of Ashdod today is around 120,000 people, who live in a mixture of modern and traditional Israeli neighborhoods. The city has many ancient sights, including the archaeological site at Tel Ashdod, which has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Additionally, Ashdod is known for its lively cultural life, with several theaters and music halls located within its limits.
The easiest way to get to Ashdod is by bus from any location in Israel. Buses depart throughout the day from various locations across the country and arrive in Ashdod around midnight. For detailed information on bus routes, schedules and prices please visit www.ashdodbus.
History of Ashdod
Ashdod was founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century BCE by the Israelites. It served as their coastal port for centuries, and was one of the seven cities of Judah. In 586 BCE, when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, Ashdod became part of the Babylonian Empire. In 538 BCE it was conquered by Cyrus the Great, who allowed the Jews to return and rebuild their temple there. In 195 BCE, it fell to Alexander the Great, but was retaken by the Hasmoneans in 63 BCE. The Roman Empire controlled it until 614 CE, when it passed to the Arabs. It remained an Arab city until it was recaptured by Israeli forces in 1967. Today, it is a major port and commercial center on Israel’s Mediterranean coast.
Ashdod is located on a promontory overlooking the Gulf of Ashdod. It is bounded on the north by Gaza Strip and on the east and south by Ashkelon Bay. The city lies at an elevation of about 1 meter above sea level. Ashdod is served by two airports: Tel Aviv-Sde Dov Airport (IATA:TLV) and Ashdod Airport ( IATA:SDZ).Ashdod is linked to Ashkelon and other neighboring cities by the coastal road (Route 478) which connects it with the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.Ashdod has two rail stations: Ashdod Central Station, located on the main line of the Israel Railways, and Ashdod South Station, located on the Sorek–Ashkelon Railway. There are also three bus terminals within the city; Line 300 connects Ashdod with Netivot, while Route 478 provides transportation throughout northern Israel.
Where to Stay in Ashdod
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Ashdod, there are a few options to consider.
The most popular option is undoubtedly the Ramada Inn Ashdod. This hotel is centrally located and offers great value for money.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more boutique-y, then head to Hotel de France. This hotel is situated in an interesting part of the city and has excellent customer service.
Finally, if you’re looking for something on the cheaper side, then the Best Western Inn Ashdod is perfect. This hotel is easy to find and offers good value for money.
