The Naked Archaeologist Season 1 Episode 1 Delilah's People

The Naked Archaeologist is a television show that explores the stories and mysteries behind some of history’s greatest treasures. In season 1 episode 1, titled Delilah’s People, host Simcha Jacobovici takes viewers on a journey to uncover the truth about the ancient Philistines.

The episode opens with Simcha discussing the story of Samson and Delilah from the biblical book of Judges. He explains that while the story is well-known, few people realize that the Philistines were a real people who lived in the Middle East during the same time period. Simcha sets out to discover who the Philistines were, where they came from, and what their impact on history was.

Simcha’s investigation leads him to the city of Ashkelon, a coastal city in present-day Israel that was once a major Philistine city. He visits an ongoing archaeological dig at the site, where he speaks with one of the lead archaeologists, Dr. Lawrence Stager. Dr. Stager explains that the Philistines were a seafaring people who came from the Aegean region, specifically from what is now Greece and Turkey. He shows Simcha some of the artifacts that have been uncovered at the site, including pottery and household items that reveal details about the Philistine way of life.

Simcha then travels to Greece to investigate the Philistines’ origins further. He visits the island of Crete, where he speaks with Dr. Philip Betancourt, an expert in Aegean archaeology. Dr. Betancourt explains that the Philistines were likely part of a group of seafaring peoples known as the Sea Peoples, who were active in the eastern Mediterranean in the 12th century BCE. He shows Simcha some of the artifacts that have been found on Crete that are similar to those found at Philistine sites, suggesting a common cultural heritage.

Returning to Israel, Simcha visits the city of Gath, another major Philistine city. He speaks with Dr. Aren Maeir, an archaeologist who is leading the dig at the site. Dr. Maeir explains that Gath was a major power in the region in the 10th and 9th centuries BCE, and was a rival of the nearby kingdom of Judah. He shows Simcha some of the impressive fortifications that were built at the site, as well as some of the weapons and tools that were used by the Philistines.

Finally, Simcha investigates the legacy of the Philistines in the modern world. He speaks with Dr. Yoav Arbel, an expert on ancient DNA, who explains that modern-day Palestinians may be descended from the ancient Philistines. He also speaks with Dr. Adel Yahya, a Palestinian historian, who discusses the role that the Philistines played in the history of the region.

Overall, Delilah’s People is a fascinating look at one of history’s lesser-known civilizations. Simcha’s investigation is thorough and well-researched, and he does an excellent job of bringing the story of the Philistines to life. Viewers will come away from this episode with a new appreciation for this ancient people and their impact on the world.