Zi´don
The eldest son of Canaan ().
One of the most ancient cities in Phoenicia. Justin derives the name from the Phoenician word for fish; but Josephus, from the son of Canaan. It had a very commodious harbor, which is now nearly choked up with sand: it was distant one day's journey from the fountains of the Jordan, 400 stadia from Berytus, and 200 stadia from Tyre (Strabo, xvi. pp. 756-757). It was situated in the allotment of the tribe of Asher, but never conquered (); on the contrary, it was sometimes a formidable enemy (). Even in Joshua's time it was called Tsidon-Rabba, or Great Zidon (). It was noted in very early times for its extensive traffic (; ) and manufactures, particularly glass. Frequent reference to it occurs in Homer. The best vessels in the fleet of Xerxes were Sidonian. Its modern name is Saide. In Hasselquist's time (1750) its exports to France were considerable; but at present its traffic is chiefly confined to the neighboring towns; the population is about 15,000.