Gilead, the name of a mountain group in the eastern division of ancient Palestine. From it the southern districts of the same division were also called Gilead, which is often mentioned in contradistinction to Bashan in the north, but exceptionally also as including the latter region. This was rich in pastures, and renowned for its aromatic simples, from which balsam was prepared. Among its rivers were the Jabbok and the Arnon.