Gadara [key], ancient city of the Decapolis, the modern Umm Qays (Jordan), SE of the Sea of Galilee. Extensive ruins mark the site. This Gadara must be distinguished from Gadara, the capital of Perea, which was destroyed by Vespasian in 68 b.c. The terms Gadarenes, Gergesenes, and Gerasenes appear variously for the locale of the celebrated miracle of the possessed swine reported in the New Testament. They probably refer to an obscure town on the east shore of the lake.
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