Philistines Discussion

Dedicated for all DNA, Analysis Results, History, Research topics related to: Philistines

The Philistines were an ancient people who lived on the south coast of Canaan between 1200 BC and 604 BC. They are believed to be part of the Sea People who ravaged the Mediterranean region in the Late Bronze Age destroying cities and causing havoc to coastal towns including the destruction of the Hittite Kingdom and attacks against Egypt. Philistine pottery found in Ashkelon shows Greco origin although links to Minoans and even the ancient city of Troy have been considered as the source of the culture. In 1150 BC, the Philistines arrived in Ashkelon and conquered it from the Canaanites. Ashkelon became one of the 5 great Philistine cities which would constantly war with the Israelites and Kingdom of Judah in a long feud over the Canaan region. After defeat against the Babylonian King Neubchadnezzar II in 604 BC, Ashkelon itself was burnt to the ground and the people exhiled ending the Philistine civilization.