First-Ever Philistine Cemetery Found: Provides "Critical Missing Link" to Israelite’s Biblical Enemy

Ilan Ben Zion : Jul 11, 2016
The Times of Israel

Study of the bones found in the cemetery already pointed to physiological differences in the Philistine population from their Canaanite predecessors and Israelite neighbors. DNA tests whose results are forthcoming may provide additional information about their origins.

(Israel) — [Reprinted with permission from The Times of Israel] Goliath's death is described in gruesome detail in the Bible, but how the Philistine champion would have been laid to rest has been a mystery. Scientists now say an extraordinary find may lay that giant enigma, much like the Biblical villain, to rest. (Photo Credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Leon Levy Expedition via Times of Israel)

Archaeologists digging at the southern coastal city of Ashkelon announced Sunday the discovery of the first cemetery belonging to the ancient Israelites' dreaded and shadowy nemeses, the Philistines.

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The Times of Israel