Never Before : Cemetery Excavated in Ashkelon
More than 160 skeletons were found in the national park in Ashkelon, along with weapons, jewelry and perfume bottles probably buried between the 11th century BC to eighth. The investigation of the Philistines has been going on for 30 years, but this is the first of its kind finding. never met them in person. Professor Daniel Master, is the head of the archaeological mission in Ashkelon.
The uniqueness of the cemetery is the burial method: So far, researchers assumed that the Philistines buried their dead in burial caves where the dead were laid, as the custom of the Canaanites and the Hebrews. Once a year the bones were collected sarcophagus (coffin) or concentrated burial place, as taught biblical expression “gathered to his ancestors”, which describes a person who died.
The Philistines are described in the Bible as one of the powerful enemies of the people of Israel. The remains of their presence have been discovered in archaeological excavations in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Ekron, Gat and Gaza, and they reveal a different culture and distinct culture Canaanite and Hebrew at the time. Investigation of archaeological finds, including jewellery, weapons and bones, allows map the connections between the Philistines in the Mediterranean basin and locate the source. The findings revealed Ashkelon National Park biblical confirm that the Philistines were new immigrants arrived in Israel and by sea. Biblical sources point to the origin of the Philistines from the island of Crete.
From the 160 skeletons found so far, some were found on jewelery and weapons, but most of the deceased were found without personal belongings. Other fascinating artifacts discovered with perfume vials are placed next to skulls, and apparently intended to cover the smell of the body.
You might ask what happened to the Philistines then? In 604 BC, the Babylonian General Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the cities of the Philistines and exiled their residents to Mesopotamia, thus ended the Philistines in Israel. The findings of 30 years’ excavation are displayed in an exhibition at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem.
(Translated from http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4826247,00.html )
