City in the mountains of Judah, apparently founded by Maon. The city was built or fortified by Rehoboam on the division of the tribes (Josh. 15:58; 1 Chron. 2:45; 2 Chron. 11:7; Neh. 3:16). Identified with Beit Sur, 31° 36’ N, 35° 6’ E. It commanded the road from Beer-sheba to Jerusalem, and is often referred to in the Wars of the Maccabees.