The Philistines in the Highlands: A View from Ashkelon

The collapse of Bronze Age Mediterranean trade was a long-term process that took place through the 12th and 11th centuries BCE. effects this decline were particularly acute for coastal cities such as Philistine Ashkelon. This paper examines response to crisis in Philistia by examining redactional strata Deuteronomistic History might speak period early activity highlands. Through memories preserved these texts archaeological results from late Iron I–early IIA, it is argued Philistines reacted loss conducting raids devastated rural highland settlements.