Economy and Trade

The Philistine cities benefited from fertile agricultural land and their position along important trade routes.

Grain, olives, grapes, livestock, and manufactured goods supported local economies. Coastal cities such as Gaza and Ashkelon participated in trade connecting Egypt, the Levant, and the Mediterranean.

Ekron became an especially important center of olive oil production during the seventh century BC. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous installations used for pressing olives and producing oil on a large scale.

Philistine cities also produced pottery, textiles, metal objects, and other goods. Their commercial connections helped them prosper even when they were politically subordinate to larger empires.

Control of roads between the coastal plain and the Israelite highlands was a frequent source of competition.