and the Hauran plain, and includes
the Jebel ed-Dr[=u]z or Hauran mountain.

The identification of Argob, a region of the kingdom of Og, is a matter of
much difficulty. It has been equated on philological grounds to the
Lej[=a]. But these arguments have been shown to be shaky if not baseless,
and the identification is now generally abandoned. The confidence with
which the great cities of Og were identified with the extensive remains of
ancient sites in the Lej[=a] and Hauran has also been shown to be without
justification. All the so-called "giant cities of Bashan" without exception
are now known to be Greco-Roman, not earlier than the time of Herod, and,
though in themselves of very high architectural and historical interest,
have no connexion whatever with the more ancient periods. No tangible
traces of Og and his people, or even of their Israelite supplanters, have
yet been found.

This fact somewhat weakens the various identifications that have been
proposed for the cities of Bashan enumerated by name. Edrei for example is
identified with _Ed-Dera'a_. This is perhaps the most satisfactory
comparison, for besides the Greco-Roman remains there is an extensive
subterranean city of unknown date, which may be of great antiquity, though
even this is still _sub judice_. The other identifications that have
commanded most acceptance are as follows:--Ashteroth Karnaim, also called
Ashtaroth and (Josh. xxi. 27) Be-eshterah, has been identified with
_Busrah_ (Bostra), where are very important Herodian ruins, but there is no
tangible evidence yet adduced that the history of this site is of so remote
antiquity. From the similarity of the names, it has also been sought at
_Tell Ashari_ and _Tell 'Ashtera_. The true site can be determined, if at
all; by excavation only; identifications based on mere outward similarity
of names have always been fruitful sources of error. Salecah is perhaps
less doubtful; it is a remarkable name, and a ruin similarly styled,
_Salkhat_, is to be seen in the Hauran. It is inhabited by Druses. Another
town in eastern Manasseh, namely Kenath, has been identified by Porter with
Kanawat, which may be correct.

In the later history Bashan became remarkable as a refuge for outlaws and
robbers, a character it still retains. The great subterranean "city" at
Ed-Dera'a has been partially destroyed by the local sub-governor, in order
to prevent it becoming a refuge of fugitives from justice or from
government