315 B.C.--Gaza was conquered by Antigonus, King of Asia, having been wrested from Ptolemy I, Soter, of Egypt (323-285), who had seized Philistia and garrisoned Gaza in 320 B.C. 312 B.C.--The city fell again into the hands of Ptolemy I, in consequence of his victory over Demetrius, the son of Antigonus. In the same year, however, he renounced the possession of Cœle-Syria, and on his retreat had the most important fortresses, Gaza among them, demolished. 240 B.C.--The sovereignty over these districts changed several times during the decades next following, till at length they were for a longer period in the possession of the Ptolemies. 218-217 B.C.--Gaza, like the rest of Syria, was temporarily in the possession of Antiochus III (the Great). He is mentioned in 1 Macc. viii. 6-8. Becoming engaged in a quarrel with Egypt, he made four successive expeditions from Antioch to that country, in each case passing down the coast of Syria, inflicting misery on its inhabitants. 198 B.C.--Cœle-Syria came permanently under the dominion of the Seleucidæ, through the victory of Antiochus the Great at Panias. Gaza was conquered after a difficult siege. The sway of the Seleucidæ is evidenced by a silver coin of Demetrius I, Soter, 162-150 B.C., minted at Gaza. 161-143 B.C.--During the leadership and high-priesthood of Jonathan "the wary" (who sided with Antiochus VI, son of Alexander Balas, against the faithlessness of Demetrius I), he lost no time in bringing the entire territory between Gaza and Damascus into subjection, with the assistance of Jewish and Syrian troops. Jonathan's history is one of constant intrigue, and his successes were due to craft and duplicity, rather than to valour and wisdom. Gaza only yielded after Jonathan had recourse to forcible measures. He compelled the citizens to give hostages, and took them with him to Jerusalem. Gaza at this time had a Council of 500 members. 141 B.C.--Gaza, the last of the Philistine towns not conquered by the Jews, was taken by Simon III, Ethnarch and High Priest. He is described in 1 Maccabees ii. 65, as "A man of counsel." A beautiful picture of him is to be found in 1 Maccabees xiv. 4-16. 96 B.C.--Gaza fell into the hands of King Alexander Jannæus, the third son of Hyrcanus, high priest, and a prince of the Maccabean line. He took the city after a year's siege, though at last only through treachery. He gave the inhabitants up to the sword, and entirely demolished the city. "It was not till 96 B.C. that Jews actually crossed her walls, but in that year the pent-up hatred of centuries burst in devastation upon her."--_G. A. Smith._