Gezer

The ruins at Gezer are found mid way between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv—in a straight line, about 14 miles east of Tel Aviv and 17 miles west of Jerusalem. 

Gezer, along with Megiddo and Hazor, was one of the three major cities that guarded the Via Maris (the International Highway linking Egypt with Asia Minor). The city stood at a strategic point where the major trade route jutted inland to avoid swampy areas along Israel's coast. It also guarded an east-west trade route from the Via Maris to Jericho, then eastward to Persia, Babylon, and Assyria. Because it of its strategic location at the intersection of those two trade routes, the city bustled with commercial activity. Nations frequently battled for control of the city. 

Gezer was defeated by the Israelites upon their entry into the Promised Land. (Joshua 16:10). Later, Solomon fortified the city and made it one of places where he stored his chariots. (1st Kings 9:15)