Ashkelon

Ashkelon extends along the Mediterranean Sea shore, featuring modern residential areas, commercial districts, and archaeological ruins across its 47 square kilometers territory.

The ancient settlement dates back to 5880 BCE, serving as a major port for various civilizations including Canaanites, Philistines, Romans, and Crusaders through multiple centuries.

The National Park contains architectural elements from different periods, including Roman columns, Byzantine churches, and medieval fortifications that tell the city's multilayered story.

The municipal area includes the largest seawater desalination facility in Israel, producing 330,000 cubic meters of fresh water daily for the southern region.

Excavations revealed a substantial dog cemetery from the Persian period containing over 1,000 carefully buried canines, indicating specific ritual practices of the time.

Location: Ashkelon Subdistrict

Inception: 950 BCE

Elevation above the sea: 10 m

Website: http://ashkelon.muni.il/openning_eng.asp

GPS coordinates: 31.66449,34.57302

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:50