FOOTNOTES:
[41] Quarterly Statement P. E. F., Oct. 1910, pp. 294-6.
[42] "A curious seal was, during 1874, found in the vicinity of Gaza. It was in possession of Dr. De Hass, a former American Consul, who gave Lieut. Conder an impression. It represents a human figure with four wings, seemingly like those of a fly or bee, and with a large misshapen human head. In each hand the figure holds an animal resembling an ape, head downwards, being held by the hind leg. Dr. De Haas supposed this to be an effigy of Baalzebub, god of Ekron, to whom apes were sometimes offered. The seal is square, about one inch wide, and the figure in low relief, roughly cut. A similar seal was found some years ago, and is now in England. It represents a fly or mosquito, with an inscription, the equivalent of the Arabic 'Allah,' perhaps the symbolical effigy of the deity of Ekron."—Quarterly Statement P. E. F., Jan. 1875, p. 10.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE GREAT MOSQUE
The one object of archæological interest in Gaza is the Great Mosque (Djamia el Kebîr) which rises on the top of the hill in the middle of the upper city. This mosque is built upon the site of the Basilica, which the Empress Eudoxia founded, where the Marneion formerly stood, and was built of ancient materials.
In the twelfth century it was a splendid cathedral dedicated to St. John Baptist.
The style of architecture is severe, and the ornamentation very plain. The fine groined roof is entire.
The mosque has three aisles, two of which formed part of the mediæval church.