‘Philistine’ is a byword for boorish ignorance – but the real Philistines were cultured. Who were they?

The Philistines, often unfairly labeled as boorish invaders in historical texts, actually had a surprisingly sophisticated culture when they migrated from the Aegean region to the area known today as Palestine around 1200 BC. This mischaracterization stems from their portrayal in the Old Testament, which has overshadowed archaeological evidence showing their advanced metalworking, trade networks, and urban planning. Understanding their true cultural achievements helps to correct the historical narrative and appreciate the complexity of ancient civilizations in the region.