The Phillistines were one of the migratory tribes known to the Egyptians collectively as the 'sea people.' They were caught up in the migrations caused by widespread famine in the 13th c. BC. As the Dorian Greeks moved south into Greece and Crete, the Phillistines were forced out, into the coasts of Asia minor and Canaan.
In Asia Minor they encoutered the Hittites who taught them iron smithing. In Canaan they came up against the mighty Egyptian army, who at first slaughtered them, then took them in as mercenaries.
By the time Joshua led Isreal into Canaan, the Phillistines were established in five cities on the coast: Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Gaza, & Ekron. The Phillistines became the arch nemisis of the Israelites through the days of the Judges and the reigns of Saul and David.
When Emperor Hadrian finally destroyed Jewish resistance in 135 AD, the Romans renamed Canaan, 'Palestine' as a complement to the Phillistines, and an insult to the Jews.
The figure is based on Osprey Ancient Armies of the Middle East by Terence Wise and Angus McBride.

In Asia Minor they encoutered the Hittites who taught them iron smithing. In Canaan they came up against the mighty Egyptian army, who at first slaughtered them, then took them in as mercenaries.

By the time Joshua led Isreal into Canaan, the Phillistines were established in five cities on the coast: Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Gaza, & Ekron. The Phillistines became the arch nemisis of the Israelites through the days of the Judges and the reigns of Saul and David.

When Emperor Hadrian finally destroyed Jewish resistance in 135 AD, the Romans renamed Canaan, 'Palestine' as a complement to the Phillistines, and an insult to the Jews.

The figure is based on Osprey Ancient Armies of the Middle East by Terence Wise and Angus McBride.