Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
LYD'DA, the Greek name for the Hebrew Lod, the present Lydd, now a village, but in ancient time a flourishing town situated in the plain of Sharon, a few miles east of Joppa, on the road to Jerusalem. It was burnt several times by the Romans, but again rebuilt. Vespasian gave it the name of Diospolis, "city of Jupiter," but the old name prevailed. It was the birthplace of St. George, the patron saint of England, and Justinian built a church in
his commemoration. By the Saracens it was again burnt, but rebuilt by the Crusaders. Now the church is in ruins, but the village is prospering. Here St. Peter healed the paralytic AEneas. Acts 9:32.