A fortified Shephelah town (Joshua 15:44; fortified by Rehoboam, 2 Chronicles 11:8), and the setting of Asa's great victory over Zerah the Cushite (2 Chronicles 14:9-10). ⚠ Micah 1:15 puns its name — Mareshah on yoresh, 'the heir / dispossessor' — 'I will bring the dispossessor upon you, inhabitant of Possession-town.' Later, as MARISA, it became the chief city of Idumea (Edomites resettled in the southern hills), was Hellenized, and its painted tombs and underground complexes are a major excavation (part of the Beit Guvrin–Maresha national park). It was the home town of Herod's grandfather.