The Philistines: Raiders of the Ark or Cultural Goliaths?

Towards the end of the thirteenth century, B.C., an immigrant people from the Aegean named the Philistines arrived in the eastern Mediterranean and occupied the southern coast of Palestine. Evidence from archaeological excavations suggests that these people were an advanced culture. Philistine artifacts, such as elaborately decorated pottery, indicate that these people maintained contact with other civilizations and suggest that the Philistines were involved in trade. Excavations of Philistine sites show settlements that reflect large, well-planned, fortified cities and cult centers, and it is even surmised that the Philistines had knowledge of iron metalworking. However, instead of portraying the Philistines as an advanced civilization, the Bible often depicts the Philistines as a godless, barbaric culture that is a constant threat to the Israelites. Today, even the name "Philistine" evokes the image of an uncultured individual. Were the Philistines truly the uncultured oppressors of the Israelites or were the Biblical authors simply vilifying their more cultured enemies because of ethnic hostilities? In this website, general information about the Philistine culture from both Biblical and Egyptian texts and archaeological evidence will provide a background for understanding the culture. Archaeological evidence from Philistine sites, including social organization, architecture, pottery, trade, and metallurgy will then be highlighted and compared to Israelite material culture in order to exhibit the achievements of the civilization. This will be compared to Biblical texts, especially those in first and second Samuel, and finally, information about Philistine and Israelite settlements will be provided in order to indicate if and why the Biblical authors gave the Philistines such a negative depiction.

 

Title photo: Philistine warrior, from Dothan and Dothan, p. 95.

Conclusions