Philistines

The Philistines were a people who occupied the southern coast of Canaan, their territory being named Philistia in later contexts. Their origin has been debated among scholars. There is not enough information of the original language of the Philistines to relate it securely to any other languages. Biblical and related traditions differentiate between the original Philistines in the days of Abraham called Avvites and the later conquering Caphtorites who replaced them. It is theorized that the latter Philistines originated among the "sea peoples".

Modern archaeology has also suggested early cultural links with the Mycenean world in Greece.

Philistines in Occupation Duty
Some three thousand years ago the Philistines conquered the Moabites. Lord Goliath personally slew the Moab champion Tabitas of Evraioi in single combat. However, the Moabites were restless subjects, requiring constant military supervison and occupation.