AnirudhaMore In The Graves
There were 211 individuals in total dating back from 11th to 8th centuries B.C. After 30 years of long hard work, the archeologist found something that could tell them about the origin of the Philistines and how did they manage to mingle up with the local culture and in the end inventing something peculiar.
Burial Traditions
It was big a cemetery and after digging the burials cautiously the archeologists found that the Philistines people didn’t follow the same rituals as the Jews and Canaanites followed. There was a huge difference that they discovered in the burial site. And you’ll be surprised what the people of Philistines did to their dead.
A Different Way Of Mourning
The archeologists discovered that the Philistines followed a very significant burial ritual. They didn’t take them in the second location after placing the bodies in a tomb for a year but used a big ground as single graves or mass graves. But it was the process of cremation that amazed the archeologists.
Limited Possessions
We all know what Egyptians used to do in their burial rituals. The dead bodies were buried with treasures and what not. But the Philistines were very simple and modest people. They didn’t put any lavish things with their loved ones but some small ceramic bowls and a few pieces of ornaments.
Unlocking The Truth
With all that has been discovered in the site, there are still several other questions that are waiting for the answers. “From our standpoint, the excavation is just the first chapter of the story, I’ve been at Ashkelon for 25 years, and I guess it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Master, from Wheaton College.
What Else?
The archeologists made sure that they don’t spoil the discovery. While brushing away the dust from the hands and knees the skeletons were almost three millennia old. Decorated juglets and perfumed oils were also found in the grave. Some bodies even had bracelets around their hand. Others bodies had weapons.