Ashdod

About

First mentioned in the 17th century BC, Ashdod has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times over the centuries as it passed from the Philistines, Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, and Ottoman Turks. The modern city was founded in 1956 near the site of the ancient settlement, eventually encompassing it and a neighboring ancient village. Little remains of the ancient city, but head up to Jonah's Hill and you’ll get a taste of its ancient importance - it’s said that the Biblical Jonah was buried as evidenced by a now-destroyed tomb. The Corinne Mamane Museum of Philistine Culture exhibits artefacts uncovered here that showcase when Ashdod was one of the five main Philistine cities. The other main draw is Ashdod’s beach, which is nearly the size of Tel Aviv’s but only sees 1/10th the number of visitors and is watched over by a ruined ancient fortress.