Ancient Gaza

Painted sketch of Gaza. Gaza was located along the south western coast of the land of Canaan, a few miles from the Mediterranean Sea. It was a city of the Philistines during Old Testament times. The Philistines took the city from the Egyptians around 1150 BC. Gaza is mentioned often in the period of Israel's history including the period of Samson and the Judges. Samson carried away the gates of Gaza, was blinded in Gaza and later died in Gaza. He destroyed the Temple of Dagon in Gaza and killed 3000 Philistines at his death. Gaza was allotted to the tribe of Judah and later became part of the kingdoms of David and Solomon.