B&B in Ashkelon
It was ruled by the Canaanites, Philistines, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, the Phoenicians, Hasmoneans, Romans, Persians, Arabs and the Crusaders, until it was destroyed by the Mamluks in 1270 and all of whom left their mark on this seaside town. This city was a great trading center because it lay along the Via Maris, the route linking Egypt with Syria and Mesopotamia and was a commercial center for agricultural produce, in fact, the word scallion comes from the special onion first grown and exported from this region.
Ashkelon
Like so many other places in Israel, Ashkelon is built upon the ruins of past civilizations; it dates back approximately 5000 years and is considered to be one of the world's most ancient cities.
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Ashkelon is mentioned in the Bible several times, it was one of five Philistine city-states (along with Gath, Gaza, Ekron and Ashdod). But the main stories connected to the city are about Samson, it was the site where Samson struck down 30 Philistines, taking their clothing to pay the thirty companions who solved a riddle he proposed at his wedding (Judges 14:11-19) and the site of the famous scene between Samson and Delilah, when Delilah cuts Samson's hair in order to deprive him of his strength Ashkelon is also thought to be the birthplace of Herod, who built here monumental buildings, bath houses, elaborate fountains and large colonnades.