Thoughts on the Development of Urbanism in Iron Age Philistia

The definition of cities and urban features in the Iron Age Southern Levant is a topic in need of reassessment, including the very definition of what is, or is not, an urban site. Accord-ingly, the five “cities” of the so-called “Philistine Pentapolis” (Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron and Gath), well-known from the biblical text, as well as other “urban” sites in Iron Age Philistia, warrant a closer look and a renewed consideration. I will attempt to determine if in fact there were urban sites in Iron Age Philistia - or are other settlement definitions of these sites to be preferred, and what are their features, origins and influences, and phases of development. I will examine this with particular emphasis on Tell es-Safi/Gath, other sites in Iron Age Philistia, and well as look at relevant Iron Age sites in regions neighbouring Philistia.