Source: BBC
Researchers in Israel have made what they say is the first discovery of a Philistine cemetery.
The discovery, made in 2013 and finally revealed on Sunday, may yield answers to an enduring mystery surrounding the origins of the Philistines.
It comes at the end of a 30-year excavation by the Leon Levy Expedition.
Expedition leaders say they discovered 145 sets of remains in several burial rooms, some surrounded by perfume, food, jewellery and weapons.
The remains date to between the 11th and the 8th centuries BC.
Image copyrightREUTERS“After decades of studying what Philistines left behind, we have finally come face to face with the people,” said Daniel M Master, one of the leaders of the excavation.
“With this discovery we are close to unlocking the secrets of their origins.”
The discovery was kept secret for three years, until the end of the dig, to avoid drawing the attention of ultra-orthodox Jewish protesters, who had previously demonstrated at excavations.
The protesters took issues with the archaeologists disturbing burial sites.
“We had to bite our tongues for a long time,” Mr Master said.
Image copyrightAFPScholars of the period differ as to the geographical origins of the Philistines, with mainland Greece, the islands of Crete or Cyprus, and Anatolia in modern-day Turkey considered.
The expedition team is now performing DNA, radiocarbon and other tests on the remains in an attempt to pinpoint their provenance.
Most of the bodies were not buried with personal items, the expedition leaders said, but next to some were perfume jugs, storage jars and small bowls.
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