Via Maris
The location of the village on Via Maris enhanced the city's importance during the Ottoman rule. In 1596 CE, administrated by "nahiya" ("subdistrict") of Gaza under the "liwa"' ("district") of Gaza, the population of Ashdod (named "Sdud") numbered 75 households, about 413 persons, all Muslims. The villagers paid a fixed tax rate of 33,3% on wheat, barley, sesame and fruit crops, as well as goats and beehives; a total of 14,000 Akçe.