Early Settlements and Canaanites
The story of human habitation in this region stretches back into deep prehistory. Archaeological
evidence reveals settled communities and agriculture existing at sites like Jericho as early as
8,000 BCE. By the Early Bronze Age (c. 3300–2250 BCE), significant settlements emerged.
Notably, Tell es-Sakan, located south of modern Gaza City, began around 3300-3000 BCE,
initially established as an Ancient Egyptian fortress within Canaanite territory. This site, along
with others, flourished as Canaanite cities engaged in trade, particularly agricultural goods, with
Egypt.
The dominant population group during the late 2nd millennium BCE, known as the Canaanites,
were a Semitic-speaking people organized into various city-states. The term "Canaan" appears
in ancient Egyptian, cuneiform, and Phoenician texts from around the 15th century BCE, as well
as extensively in the Hebrew Bible. Canaanite culture, which developed in situ from earlier
populations merging with migratory waves , made significant contributions, including potentially
the first use of an alphabet. Their language is considered an archaic form of Hebrew. Biblical
narratives identify them as descendants of Canaan, grandson of Noah, and often portray them
as adversaries to the later arriving Israelites. Importantly, many scholars suggest that Israelite
culture itself largely overlapped with and derived from the broader Canaanite civilization.
Egyptian Influence and Gaza's Emergence
Egypt exerted significant influence, and often direct control, over Canaan for long periods,
particularly during the Bronze Age. The strategic location of the region, especially the coastal
route (later known as the Via Maris), made it vital for Egyptian imperial ambitions and trade
connecting Africa and Asia. Gaza, or its precursors like Tell al-Ajjul (which developed after Tell
es-Sakan's decline and abandonment around 2250 BCE), frequently served as a key Egyptian
administrative center and garrison town in Canaan. The region witnessed power shifts, such as
the Hyksos period when peoples from Asia controlled Egypt (c. 1650 BCE), followed by
Egyptian reconquest under pharaohs like Ahmose I (who besieged the Hyksos stronghold
Sharuhen near Gaza) and Thutmose III (who solidified Egyptian control around 1468 BCE).
Gaza remained under Egyptian administration for roughly 350 years before the arrival of the
Philistines. This long history highlights Gaza's specific role as a strategic imperial outpost, its
development shaped by its crucial position on the coastal highway, differentiating it somewhat
from inland centers. This strategic value would persist through subsequent empires.
Arrival of the Philistines
Around the 12th century BCE, during the turbulent period known as the Late Bronze Age
collapse, new groups appeared in the region. Among them were the Philistines, widely believed
to be one of the groups collectively referred to as the "Sea Peoples" in Egyptian records.
Egyptian texts mention defeating invaders called the Peleset (often identified with the
Philistines) around 1175 BCE under Ramesses III, who allegedly settled some captives in
southern Canaanite fortresses. Archaeological evidence confirms the appearance of distinct
Philistine material culture in the southern coastal plain (later known as Philistia) around this
time.
The Philistines established a confederation of five major city-states (the Pentapolis): Ashdod,
Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza. Gaza became one of their principal cities. Their origins are
traced by many scholars to the Aegean world, possibly Crete (biblically referred to as Caphtor)
or Mycenaean Greece, based on pottery styles, architectural elements, and recent DNA
analysis from burials in Ashkelon. While initially possessing a distinct, likely non-Semitic culture ,
they gradually intermixed with the local Canaanite population over subsequent centuries. The
Hebrew Bible frequently portrays the Philistines ("uncircumcised" and pagan worshippers) as
formidable adversaries of the Israelites, exemplified in stories like Samson in Gaza and David
and Goliath (Goliath being from Gath). While the biblical depiction is largely negative,
archaeological findings reveal a complex society with advanced technology, sophisticated
governance (leaders titled seren), unique religious practices, and distinctive art, particularly
pottery. Their settlement appears to have been largely peaceful in many areas, integra xisting structures rather than causing widespread destruction.
The Israelites and the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
Concurrent with the Philistine settlement on the coast, the Israelites emerged, likely from
indigenous Canaanite roots , settling initially in the central hill country during the transition from
the Late Bronze to the Early Iron Age (c. 1250 BCE or earlier). The Hebrew Bible recounts the
formation of a United Monarchy under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon (c. 1020-922 BCE). King
David is credited with finally breaking Philistine power and conquering Canaanite cities like
Jerusalem. Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom reportedly split into two: the northern
Kingdom of Israel (comprising ten tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (Judah and
Benjamin tribes, centered on Jerusalem).
Biblical accounts claim Israelite or Judahite rule extended over Philistia, including Gaza, at
various points, particularly under David and during the divided monarchy. The story of Samson's
death in Gaza is set during this period of conflict. However, the historical extent of sustained
Israelite/Judahite control over major Philistine centers like Gaza is debated among scholars,
with some suggesting these biblical claims might reflect later aspirations more than consistent
historical reality, especially given the Philistines' known military capabilities. This highlights a
recurring challenge in reconstructing the history of this period: reconciling archaeological
evidence, which may show cultural influence or intermittent control, with biblical narratives that
often depict more definitive conquest and rule. A critical approach, using multiple source types,
is necessary.
Era of Empires: Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians
From the 8th century BCE onwards, the entire region fell under the sway of powerful
Mesopotamian empires, ending the independence of the Israelite kingdoms and Philistine cities.
The Neo-Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel around 721 BCE and
asserted dominance over Judah and Philistia, including Gaza, around 730 BCE under rulers like
Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II. Gaza often functioned as a vassal city, crucial for Assyrian
control over trade routes to Egypt.
Following the decline of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to prominence. Around 601
BCE, Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II clashed with Egyptian forces near Gaza. He later
conquered the Kingdom of Judah, destroying Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BCE and
exiling much of its population. Gaza also came under Babylonian control.
In 539 BCE, the Persian Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon,
incorporating Palestine into its vast domain. The Persian period saw relative stability and some
local autonomy. Cyrus allowed Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
Gaza flourished during this time, possibly establishing its own mint around 380 BCE. This
sequence of conquests by major external powers (Assyria, Babylon, Persia) demonstrates a
fundamental characteristic of the region's history: its strategic importance made it a constant
target for imperial control, leading to layered cultural influences and a political destiny often
shaped by forces from beyond its borders.