What is…
Philistia

Hebrew: פְּלֶשֶׁת‎ —transliteration: peleshet —meaning: rolling or migratory; “the land of wanderers” or “of strangers”

This is a name of “the land of the Philistines” (Psalm 60:8; 87:4; 108:9).

Philistia’s cities included Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, Gaza and once Joppa (Jaffa).

Philistia and its native population (Philistines) disappeared from the historic record after its invasion by Nebuchadnezzar II in 604 B.C..

The Hebrew/Egyptian name “Peleshet” (Philistia) is the origin of the Greek name Palaistine and the Roman Palaestina (aka Palestine). Today’s Palestinians are likely the descendants of the Edomites, Philistines and Amalekites.

Map showing the general area of the ancient Philistine Kingdom of States (shaded in red) in the 9th century B.C.

Derivative work of Richardprins. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

More information

• Who are the Philistines?