Classical period Ashkelon

ancient sarcophagus in ashkelon

ashkelon rebuilt. until conquest of alexander great, ashkelon s inhabitants influenced dominant persian culture. in archaeological layer excavations have found dog burials. believed dogs may have had sacred role, evidence not conclusive. after conquest of alexander in 4th century bc, ashkelon important free city , hellenistic seaport.

it had friendly relations hasmonean kingdom , herodian kingdom of judea, in 2nd , 1st centuries bc. in significant case of witch-hunt, during reign of hasmonean queen salome alexandra, court of simeon ben shetach sentenced death eighty women in ashkelon had been charged sorcery. herod great, became client king of rome on judea , surrounds in 30 bc, had not received ashkelon, yet built monumental buildings there: bath houses, elaborate fountains , large colonnades. discredited tradition suggests ashkelon has been birthplace. in 6 ce, when roman imperial province set in judea, overseen lower-rank governor, ashkelon moved directly higher jurisdiction of governor of syria province.

the city remained loyal rome during great revolt, 66–70 ad.