Like many places in Israel, Ashkelon is built atop ruins of past civilizations. It was one of the five major cities of the Philistines (along with Ashdod, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza). Ashkelon is just north of the Gaza Strip and about 35 miles south of Tel Aviv.
In biblical times, Ashkelon was strategically located on the Via Mares (International Highway), the major transportation route between Egypt, Asia Minor, and Mesopotamia, thus it became an important and powerful city.
It is probably best known as the place where Delilah cut Samson's hair. (Judges 14-16)
Herod the Great is believed to have been born in Ashkelon.
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