City where David was permitted refuge from Saul by Achish likely discovered in Judaean foothills; Report shows Philistines migrated from southern Europe to Ashkelon.
Israeli archeologists believe they located the Biblical city of Ziklag where King David hid from Saul. Following carbon testing and excavations at the sites since 2015, archeologists from both the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) reported the discovery at Khirbet a-Ra‘i of the Philistine city between Kiryat Gat and Lachish.
Archeologists believe the site is the location where King David was permitted to seek refuge by Achish, the king of Gath. The nearly 3,000-year-old site is the 12th site archeologists suspected of being the ancient city of Ziklag. Dozens of artifacts discovered and studied, such as jars and tools, were all Philistine made, and according to the IAA, the site shows signs of “continuous settlement which included both a Philistine settlement and a settlement from the era of King David.” The site, nearly 1,000 square meters, is located in the Judaean foothills.
The site is also further proof that the Philistines were not natives of the Land of Israel, but migrated to the region, likely from Europe. Last week, Israeli archeologists released a report with evidence from DNA testing on ancient Philistine skeletons proving that the Philistines likely came from southern Europe. The report claims they migrated to this region over the Mediterranean Sea to Ashkelon towards the end of the Bronze Age or the beginning of the Iron Age.
