A member of the Sea Peoples, the Philistines heralded from Aegea — possibly from the collapsed Mycenaean civilization — and settled on the Canaanite coast in the early 12th century BC. Their early history is recounted from Egyptian and biblical sources; their later history and decline are recounted in Assyrian, Babylonian and the Bible (which [...]

Near Sea of Galilee, the Tell Kineret tomb gives evidence of burials and wealth of burials. Cremation burials of man and woman found near Beth-Yerah. Burial practices and ceramic developments are all similar in Early Bronze Age. 50 vessels dates to EB II two lightfaced painted ware vessels hep date. 300 beads (faience, copper, gold, [...]

Iron IA 1,175-1,125 BC Philistine Stage 1 settlements (identified by monochrome ware, reminiscent of Mycenean Ware IIIC1B) formed a Philistine pentapolis of main hubs: Gaza; Ashkelon; Ashdod; Gath; and Ekron. Egypt installed forts near each site of the pentapolis to contain the Philistines. Philistine culture is marked by strong Aegean traits: monopoly on iron working [...]

During the 9th century BC, Israel was under the reign of Ahab, and Judah was under the reign of Jehoshaphat. Israel and Judah were the two most important states occupying the southern end of the strategically crucial Syro-Palestinian corridor. Politics along the Syro-Palestinian corridor have always been determined by large riverine empires to the south [...]