One notable finding is the earliest identification of several Mediterranean plants within the ritual space, connecting the Philistines to rituals and mythologies associated with ancient Greek gods such as Hera, Artemis, Demeter, and Asclepius. Additionally, the presence of plants with psychoactive components in the temples suggests their use in religious rites, indicating that Philistine religion was based on the magic and power of nature, influenced by factors such as running water and seasonality.
Philistine Religion and Nature
The Philistines’ connection to ancient Greek gods through the identification of Mediterranean plants in their ritual spaces suggests a complex religious system influenced by the natural world. The use of plants with psychoactive properties in their temples further indicates that Philistine religion was rooted in the magic and power of nature, likely incorporating elements of seasonality and running water into their practices.