The Philistines were sea people; how did they make their boats?
I have no idea, but, being lazy I asked ChaptGPT:
The Philistines, like many ancient Mediterranean cultures, constructed boats using techniques that were advanced for their time, although they left behind little direct evidence about their boat-building practices. Most of what we know comes from depictions on artifacts, such as the Medinet Habu reliefs in Egypt, and from comparisons to the seafaring practices of neighboring cultures.
The boats likely had several key characteristics:
1. Materials: Philistine boats were probably built from materials common in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as cedar, pine, and cypress wood, known for their durability and resistance to water. These materials were often sourced from nearby regions, like Lebanon.
2. Construction Technique: They likely used a method called “shell-first construction,” in which the outer planks of the boat hull were built before the internal frame. This technique was common in the Bronze Age and allowed the hull to be watertight and flexible. Planks would be sewn or pegged together, and tree sap or bitumen might have been used to seal gaps.
3. Design and Structure: Philistine boats appear to have been relatively large and sturdy, as depicted in Egyptian reliefs that show Philistine-style ships alongside those of other sea peoples. These vessels likely had high prows and sterns, similar to Egyptian and Mycenaean ships, and were outfitted with oars and sails.
4. Propulsion: Philistine ships probably relied on both rowing and sailing. Square sails, possibly made of woven linen or wool, would catch the wind, while rowers could propel the boat during calm weather or when precise maneuvering was needed.
These boats allowed the Philistines to travel and trade across the Mediterranean, supporting their role as seafaring people. They played a key role in the spread of Philistine culture and influence along coastal regions.