Ashkelon, Coastal city in Southern District, Israel
Ashkelon is a city on the Mediterranean coast in southern Israel, stretching along sandy beaches and cliffs. Residential neighborhoods alternate with green parks, a marina, and open spaces where ancient remains stand among modern buildings.
The settlement began in the Neolithic period and grew into an important port for Canaanites, Philistines, and later Romans. During the Middle Ages, Crusaders built fortresses here before the site was abandoned in the 13th century and resettled only in the 20th century.
The settlement sits at the crossroads between Africa and Asia, where trade routes crossed for thousands of years. Modern inhabitants gather at the seafront promenade and public beaches, where families spend weekends and locals meet during evening walks along the shore.
The best time to visit is spring or autumn, when temperatures are more comfortable than during the hot summer months. Access to most beaches and public areas is free, while archaeological sites require admission.
Archaeologists discovered a cemetery from the Persian period containing more than a thousand carefully buried dogs, pointing to special rituals. Most animals were young and appear to have died without violence, raising questions about their role in society at that time.
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