Gaza
Country: Palestine
Region: Middle East
Period: 16th-17th c.BCE
Location: 31.516667°N, 34.45°E
Description
Gaza, one of the five major cities of the ancient Philistine pentapolis, was located along the southern coastal plain of modern-day Israel and Palestine. It was a significant city-state in the Kingdom of Philistia, known for its strategic location as a trade hub between Egypt and the Levant, as well as its military fortifications and agricultural prosperity.
Modern Remains
Today, Gaza is a modern city with a complex history, and while much of its ancient heritage has been lost or obscured due to continuous habitation, archaeological excavations have uncovered key remnants. These include fortifications, ancient tombs, and artifacts that reflect Gaza's importance in the Philistine and later Hellenistic and Roman periods. The remains offer valuable insights into the ancient city's military, economic, and cultural significance.