The Philistines perhaps originated from Anatolia, but left their homeland in the 13th century BC and took to the sea along with other displaced groups. Collectively known as the 'Sea Peoples', they invaded Syria and Canaan, and even dared to attack Egypt.
They settled on the southern coast of Canaan around Gaza in the 12th century BC. They were the most feared and dangerous of all the enemies of the Israelites.
As this drawing of a battle between the Sea Peoples and the Egyptians shows, the Philistines wore distinctive feather-tufted helmets, large round shields, and long iron swords, giving them military superiority over the Israelites. At Mount Gilboa, the Philistines slew Saul, Israel's first king, and his three sons.
