The ancient town can be visited
Ancient BuildingAschkelon (אשקלון, عسقلان)
Ancient Town Ascalon (אשקלון, عسقلان)
The ancient city of Ascalon, now part of modern Ashkelon in Israel, was once a significant center on the southeastern Mediterranean coast. Its strategic location made it an important trading hub and the scene of numerous historical events for millennia, with traces still visible today.
History+
Ascalon flourished as a trading city since the Middle Bronze Age, profiting from intermediary trade and the production of wine and olive oil. In the 14th century BCE, it belonged to Egypt and was mentioned in the campaigns of Ramses II in 1285 BCE. Later, it became a princely seat of the Philistine Pentapolis. The city experienced repeated rebellions and conquests by Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans, who captured it in 37 BCE and ruled for over 600 years. In the Middle Ages, Ascalon was a crucial fortress city in the conflict between Crusaders and Fatimids. After multiple destructions and reconstructions, it fell into decline in the 14th century.
Location+
The ancient city of Ascalon is located in the modern city of Ashkelon in the Southern District of Israel, at an elevation of approx. 14 m above sea level.
On site+
Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city of Ascalon, which are accessible as an archaeological park, bringing the long history of this significant settlement to life.
Nearby+
- Crusader Castle Chastel Béroard (اشدود) (Fortress), approx. 15.0 km away
- Ancient City Eleutheropolis (Betogabri) (Ancient Structures), approx. 33.5 km away
- Ancient City Marissa (תל מראשה) (Ancient Structures), approx. 34.3 km away
- Crusader Castle Latrun (לטרון, اللطرون) (Fortress), approx. 45.4 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ashkelon-9114.jpg?uselang=de
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 31.6620, 34.5463