בעירו של גוליית: ממצאי החפירות שמלמדים על הרגלי הטקסים של הפלשתים

Description

Researchers examined which plants were used in the Philistine worship ceremonies in the area of the temple in the lower city of Tel Tzfit, identified as the Philistine Gat - and discovered information regarding their rituals and customs, as well as their beliefs. the power of nature"

The Philistine culture, which flourished during the Iron Age (around 604-1200 BC) significantly influenced the cultural history, agriculture and diet of the southern Levant. More than a quarter of a century of intensive excavations at Tel Tzfit, identified as the Philistine cave and the abode of the biblical Goliath, shed new light on the world of this unique culture.

In the excavation project that focused on the area of the temple in the lower city of Gat, a team from Bar Ilan University, led by Prof. Aharon Meir (archaeology) and Prof. Ehud Weiss (archaeological botany), studied the variety of plants that were used in the Philistine rituals.

While their influence is well documented, the details of the worship rituals and identification of the Philistine gods remained shrouded in mystery for a long time. The study by Dr. Fromin and his partners on "Plants in the biblical Geth in relation to the religious rituals of the Philistines", published in the journal Scientific Reports, presents new and important data for understanding the subject. With the discovery of plants in the temples uncovered at the site, the researchers revealed unprecedented information about rituals, religious customs and beliefs of the Philistines, such as the food ingredients in their temple, the timing of ceremonies and the plants for decoration.

Dr. Simbika Fromin investigated the use of plants by the Philistines in their religious ceremonies, under the guidance of Prof. Weiss. Together with Dr. Amit Dagan, Maria Yanokhina, and Prof. Meir, through a comprehensive examination and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the types of plants found, the times they were harvested, The way they were sacrificed and their symbolism, the researchers put together a clearer picture of the worship rituals practiced in the Philistine temple.

Dr. Fromin, who led the research, said: "One of the most significant findings is the earliest identification of a number of Mediterranean plants, such as common Abraham's bush (Vitex agnus-castus), crowned chrysanthemum (Glebionis coronaria) and summer tagit (Lomelosia argentea) - All in a ceremonial space. These plants link the Philistines to rituals and mythology associated with ancient Greek gods, such as Hera (goddess of marriage and childbirth), Artemis (goddess of the hunt), Demeter (goddess of agriculture and grain) and Asclepius (god of medicine). In addition, the presence of plants with psychoactive ingredients in temples revealed their use in ritual activities. The study revealed that the Philistine religion was based on the magic and power of nature, such as the water of streams and the seasons, as factors that affect human health and life."

Subject

Researchers examined which plants were used in the Philistine worship ceremonies in the area of the temple in the lower city of Tel Tzfit, identified as the Philistine Gat - and discovered information regarding their rituals and customs, as well as their beliefs. the power of nature"

The Philistine culture, which flourished during the Iron Age (around 604-1200 BC) significantly influenced the cultural history, agriculture and diet of the southern Levant. More than a quarter of a century of intensive excavations at Tel Tzfit, identified as the Philistine cave and the abode of the biblical Goliath, shed new light on the world of this unique culture.

In the excavation project that focused on the area of the temple in the lower city of Gat, a team from Bar Ilan University, led by Prof. Aharon Meir (archaeology) and Prof. Ehud Weiss (archaeological botany), studied the variety of plants that were used in the Philistine rituals.

While their influence is well documented, the details of the worship rituals and identification of the Philistine gods remained shrouded in mystery for a long time. The study by Dr. Fromin and his partners on "Plants in the biblical Geth in relation to the religious rituals of the Philistines", published in the journal Scientific Reports, presents new and important data for understanding the subject. With the discovery of plants in the temples uncovered at the site, the researchers revealed unprecedented information about rituals, religious customs and beliefs of the Philistines, such as the food ingredients in their temple, the timing of ceremonies and the plants for decoration.

Dr. Simbika Fromin investigated the use of plants by the Philistines in their religious ceremonies, under the guidance of Prof. Weiss. Together with Dr. Amit Dagan, Maria Yanokhina, and Prof. Meir, through a comprehensive examination and quantitative and qualitative analysis of the types of plants found, the times they were harvested, The way they were sacrificed and their symbolism, the researchers put together a clearer picture of the worship rituals practiced in the Philistine temple.

Dr. Fromin, who led the research, said: "One of the most significant findings is the earliest identification of a number of Mediterranean plants, such as common Abraham's bush (Vitex agnus-castus), crowned chrysanthemum (Glebionis coronaria) and summer tagit (Lomelosia argentea) - All in a ceremonial space. These plants link the Philistines to rituals and mythology associated with ancient Greek gods, such as Hera (goddess of marriage and childbirth), Artemis (goddess of the hunt), Demeter (goddess of agriculture and grain) and Asclepius (god of medicine). In addition, the presence of plants with psychoactive ingredients in temples revealed their use in ritual activities. The study revealed that the Philistine religion was based on the magic and power of nature, such as the water of streams and the seasons, as factors that affect human health and life."