Mareshah [key]. 1 In the Bible, descendant of Caleb. 2 In the Bible, son of Laadan; or the name may refer to places, not persons. 3 Town, ancient Palestine, c.20 mi (32 km) WSW of Bethlehem. In the Hellenistic period it was called Marissa or Marisa (the present-day Tel Maresha, or Tell Sandahannah, Israel), and is the best-known preserved town of Hellenistic Palestine. Excavations have revealed Hellenistic inscriptions, painted tombs in caves, and the finest mosaic pavement yet found in the region.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Biblical Proper Names: Biographies
