A Bone to Pick About Philistines

New evidence suggests the Philistines were cosmopolitan.

By Bridget Alex
Dec 20, 2016 6:00 AMApr 18, 2020 10:05 PM
Philistine, Isreal - Leon Levy Expedition
Remains of a Philistine laid to rest nearly 30 centuries ago at a newly discovered cemetery in Tel Ashkelon, Israel. (Credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Leon Levy Expedition)

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Philistine history was written by their rivals, and unfortunately for them, that text became a best-seller: the Bible. According to the Old Testament, Philistines were a constant threat, producing infamous villains like the temptress Delilah and giant Goliath. Their bad reputation persists even today: Their name is shorthand for anyone averse to culture and learning.

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