Archaeologists from Bar-Ilan University have unveiled groundbreaking insights into the ancient Philistine culture. The discoveries were made during over 25 years of excavation at Tell es-Safi/Gath in central Israel, identified as the biblical city of Gath, home to the Philistines and the legendary Goliath.

Temple offerings: Cultic ᴀssemblage of miniature vessels and an endolium shell found in one of the temples. Credit: Prof. Aren Maeir / Scientific Reports

Led by Professors Aren Maeir and Ehud Weiss, the team focused on the temple area in the lower city of Gath, where they meticulously reconstructed the plants used in Philistine rituals. Through their study published in Scientific Reports, the researchers, including Dr. Suembikya Frumin and colleagues, revealed a plethora of new data on Philistine ritual practices and beliefs.

The findings challenge previous understandings of Philistine culture, particularly their religious practices, which have long remained a mystery. By analyzing plant remains from two temple sites, the team uncovered the significance of various plant species in Philistine religious rituals.

Dr. Frumin highlighted the identification of ritual uses for several Mediterranean plants, including the lilac chaste tree, crown daisy, and silvery scabious. She said: “These widespread Mediterranean plants connect Philistines with cultic rituals, mythology, and paraphernalia related to early Greek deities, such as Hera, Artemis, Demeter, and Asclepios.”

Plants of the Philistine temples at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfī/Gath. Credit: S. Frumin / Scientific Reports

Moreover, the presence of psychoactive and medicinal plants in Philistine temples indicates their role in cultic activities, emphasizing the Philistines’ reliance on the magic and power of nature. The seasonal aspect of their religious practices, reflected in the timing of rituals, underscores their deep connection to agricultural cycles.

The discovery of weaving loom weights within Philistine temples further strengthens the hypothesis of cultural exchange between the Philistines and Aegean civilizations. This suggests a shared ceremonial tradition and mutual influence between the regions.

Philistines plant-related iconography. (a) Ceramic cultic jar, Tell Qasile, # 1302, Stratum X, Loci 142; 190: a frieze of plants painted on the upper part of the jar, flower-shape of the vessel, pH๏τo of the vessel, its drawing72. (b) Hera (Ephesus-Vienna type). Early first century CE copy of a Greek original (beginning of the fourth century BCE). Naples National Archaeological Museum, #6027. PH๏τo by S. Frumin. (c) Ceramic Cult stand (CAT37), Yavneh. Muza—Eretz Israel Museum, IAA no. 2006–998. Credit: A. Maeir / Frumin, S et al., Scientific Reports

Prof. Weiss emphasized the importance of the study’s findings in deepening our understanding of ancient cultic practices and their significance in the broader Mediterranean world. He noted that by examining the plants used in ritual contexts, researchers gain valuable insights into how the Philistines perceived and interacted with their environment.

The research opens up new avenues for exploring the cultural and religious interactions between the Philistines and neighboring regions.

More information: Frumin, S., Maeir, A.M., Eniukhina, M. et al. (2024). Plant-related Philistine ritual practices at biblical Gath. Sci Rep 14, 3513. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52974-9