ASHKELON – NOW AND THEN

We had a short three day stay in Ashkelon when we arrived in Israel from Cyprus.  Ashkelon has an amazing history.  Ashkelon (or Ashqelon) began some 10,000 years ago.  The city was founded during the Middle Canaanite period (2000-1550BCE).  During the Israelite period (1200-1000 BCE) Ashkelon was one of the five Philistine cities.  It is mentioned in the biblical eulogy of David for Saul and Jonathan in 2 Samuel 1:20.  Ashkelon is also linked to Sampson, who struck down 30 Philistines in Judges 14:11-19.  The city reached its peak during the Roman period (37 BC-324CE).  It has been a major port city in its long history, as it continues to be today in Israel.  Residents enjoy the water activities along the beachfront of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. (information taken from the park folder).

Enjoy some of the National Park sights with us!

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This speaks for itself, see the city gate in the next picture

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The Cannonite City Gate.

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The bricks are very old.

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Jeff checking out the ancient building materials.

Some of the walls that surrounded ancient Ashquelon

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Some of the remaining walls built around the city

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Remains of St. Mary Viridis Church, in use during the fifth century.

You can see part of the grottos

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A view of the Roman Basilica from the third Century. It was 100 meters long and 35 meters wide. Here was where the public activity of Ashqelon took place.

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An ancient well with great quality drinking water.

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And this is how you got it up from the deep well.

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You can see the shards of pottery mixed in with stone that makes up the walkway today.

A LONG walk to the top of the hill. Sue felt like she accomplished a lot being able to walk and climb the steep hill.

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An amazing view from the top

Sue is touching stones that are thousands of years old.

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A view of the beach and the ancient port.  You can see some of the modern port off in the distance.

Portions of the Muslim and Crusader walls have been strenghtened by inserted Roman columns

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We send you greetings from Ashquelon

An amazing sunset to end our amazing day

 

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