Ashkelon is an ancient port city located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been inhabited since the Bronze Age. The city has a long and storied history, having been a major port and trading center for centuries. Ashkelon has been conquered and destroyed multiple times, yet it has always been rebuilt and remains a vibrant city today.
The earliest known inhabitants of Ashkelon were the Canaanites, who settled in the area around 2000 BCE. The city was an important port for the Canaanites and their successors, the Philistines. It was also a major trading center, with goods from Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East passing through the city. The Philistines were eventually conquered by the Assyrians in 732 BCE, and the city was destroyed.
In 586 BCE, Ashkelon was conquered by the Babylonians and destroyed again. After the Babylonian Empire fell, the city was conquered by the Persians, who rebuilt it and made it a major port city. During this time, the city was a major trading hub for goods from the Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Middle East.
In 332 BCE, Ashkelon was conquered by Alexander the Great and became part of the Greek Empire. The city flourished under Greek rule and was known for its wealth and culture. After the death of Alexander, the city was conquered by the Romans in 63 BCE. Under Roman rule, the city was a major port and trading center.
In 614 CE, Ashkelon was conquered by the Muslims and became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. The city was destroyed by the Crusaders in 1099 CE and then rebuilt by the Mamluks in 1270 CE. The city was then conquered by the Ottomans in 1517 CE and remained under their rule until 1917 CE, when it was captured by the British.
After the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Ashkelon became part of the new nation. The city has since grown and developed into a modern city, with a population of over 200,000 people. Today, Ashkelon is a popular tourist destination, with its ancient sites and beautiful beaches.
The long and storied history of Ashkelon is a testament to its resilience and strength. The city has been conquered and destroyed multiple times, yet it has always been rebuilt and remains a vibrant city today. From its ancient roots to its modern incarnation, Ashkelon is a city with a rich past and an exciting future.