Tell Qasile

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Tell Qasile is an archaeological site over 3,000 years old. The site consists of the remains of a port city founded by the Philistines in the 12th century BC. It is located near the Yarkon River.

Excavation of the site was begun in 1948 by Professor Benjamin Mazar.

The excavation depicts a gradual development of the Philistine city over 150 years, from its founding (Level XII) to the peak of its growth (Level X) at the end of the 11th century BC.

[edit] The sacred area

The sacred area of the Philistine city was unearthed to reveal three temples, built one on top of the other.

The temples were constructed with walls of sun-dried mud bricks covered with light-colored plaster. Low benches were built along the length of the walls. Many offering and cult vessels were found on the floors, concentrated mainly around the "bamah" and in the storage alcoves of the temples.

[edit] The Housing Quarter

A residential block was found on the north side of the street, while in the south side workshops and storehouses were unearthed. The houses were built to a standard plan - they were square, with an area of approximately 100 square meters per apartment. Each apartment comprised two rectangular rooms with a courtyard separating them.