Majuma
| Maiuma | |
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| Other transcription(s) | |
 Maiuma
Location of Maiuma within the Palestinian territories
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| Coordinates: 31°31′N 34°27′E / 31.517°N 34.450°ECoordinates: 31°31′N 34°27′E / 31.517°N 34.450°E | |
| Founded | 1st century BCE |
Maiuma or Maiumas was an ancient town near Gaza, Palestine.
In antiquity, Gaza port was the principal port on the Mediterranean serving the Incense Road. Strabo and Ptolemy referred to it as Gazaion limen. The port was distinct from the city, which was located opposite it.
The Port of Gaza was at the end of the Nabataean spice road where trade was conducted in herbs, spices incense, drapery, glass and food. Goods arrived in the port on the backs of camels from Southern Arabia (the Kingdom of Sheba) through Petra, the Arava Valley and crossing Negev Desert via Avdat. At the port of Gaza, these goods were dispatched to the European markets.
Alexander Jannaeus' conquest of Gaza (99 BCE) that denied the Nabateans access to the port and trade with Rome led to Obodas launching a military campaign against the Hasmonean King.
Gaza Port was rebuilt after it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 63 BCE under the command of Pompey Magnus and trade routes were reopened.
It functioned as the port of Gaza (and was sometimes called simply "the port of Gaza") but was recognized as an independent city since the early Christian era. The Greek name Neapolis ("the new city") seems to have also been used in reference to it.
During the reign of Constantine the Great, who granted Maiuma the status of a separate city, it received the name Konstanteia after the emperor's sister (or son).
Under the emperor Julian, it was downgraded and the name was changed to Maioumas ("harbor place"), or as "the part of Gaza towards the sea". It became associated at this time with a pagan festival.
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