Gaza's ancient history uncovered

[barb162]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4365440.stm

Gaza's ancient history uncovered
By Alan Johnston
BBC News, Gaza



Gaza is said to be one of the world's oldest living cities
All through the heat of summer archaeologists dug and sifted through the dunes on the edge of Gaza City.
Gradually walls, homes, and the outlines of alleyways emerged from the sand.

These were the bones of the ancient Greek city of Antidon. And they were testimony to the extraordinary richness of Gaza's past.

Not only the Greeks passed this way. The Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, the Persians, the Romans, the Crusaders, the Turks, the British and many others left their mark on Gaza.

snip

[On the Road]

1. Not to Mention the Philistines and the Sea People

That is a high-traffic area going way, way back. Where, among other things, Sampson was "eyeless in Gaza."

[barb162]

2. The Sea People were from where?

(And don't tell me the sea. Not allowed, haha)

[On the Road]

3. When I Came Across Them in College,

no one knew for sure -- maybe Asia Minor. Apparently they still don't according to Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_People

[barb162]

5. They almost seem like a worse version of the Vikings

One of the things quite common in those times was blowing up numbers in battles. Nine thousand warriors usually meant about a hundred.

[Wordie]

4. Quite a fascinating article. Thanks for posting it.

[Fairlyunbalanced]

6. When I came across them in college the sea people

were from Greece, spurred on by famine and war to migrate and raid and pillage. A front wave of later expansion as it seemed to me.