American Archaeological Expedition Will Leave for Palestine February 1

Dr. Grant and Associates Seek Traces of Philistine History (Jewish Daily Bulletin)

Elihu Grant, professor of Biblical literature at Haverford College and noted authority on Palestinian peoples, announced the formation of an archeological expedition under the auspices of the college.

The expedition will seek to uncover the ruins of the ancient Philistine city of Beth Shamesh, about twenty miles west of Jerusalem and near the modern village of Ain Shems. It is situated on the railroad line between Jerusalem and Jaffa and is in the valley of the Sorek River.

According to Dr. Grant, the work to be carried out there should prove of considerable value in solving the Philistine problem that has long baffled archeologists and historians. Little is known of the origin or culture of the Philistine people. What is known, says Dr. Grant, is largely contained in the Old Testament, and has the disadvantage of having been written by their enemies and eventual conquerors, the ancient Hebrews.

Dr. Grant says old Testament writers were extremely biased in their views of Philistines, inasmuch as these people were a constant menace to the stability of the weak and struggling Hebrew State first established in the “land flowing with milk and honey.” The Hebrew prophets, horrified at the idol worship of the Philistines and in perpetual fear that their own people would forget God in a worship more pleasing to the senses also held up these people to scorn as a race despised of God.

It is known, however, that the Philistines were a trading people, possibly related to the Phoenicians, with a league of commercial cities. As Beth Shamesh was one of the metropolitan centres of Philistine life, Dr. Grant is of the opinion that the Haverford expedition will uncover hitherto unknown facts concerning their culture and the manners and customs of their daily lives.

Dr. Grant is preparing to sail from New York on February I. In Jerusalem he will be joined by Dr. Clarence S. Fisher, adviser of the American School of Oriental Research, and by Neale Carlisle, an American student now engaged in archeological research in Paris. A Palestinian and four Egyptian archeological experts, who will assist in the direction of the field work, have been secured, and these, with the native laborers, will complete the party. Digging is expected to begin by March 1.