Ashdod-Yam

At www.aftau.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=19035 … Tel Aviv University archaeologists have uncovered huge fortifications dating to the Iron Age – at Ashdod-Yam. A mud brick wall 12 feet wide and 15 feet high and covered in mud and sand has been dated to the late 8th century BC. Archaeologists appear to have guessed the date somewhat, using historical texts as an interpretation tool. The wall is essentially a huge crescent shaped fortification surrounding an artificial harbour, protecting its rear from attack and providing land for growing crops within the defences in the process. Naturally, the Assyrians are viewed as the attackers – all that hyperbole and bragging in their annals. It seems the archaeologists have a particular event in mind, a rebellion by Yamani (the Greek) in the time of Hezekiah. The latter apparently declined an alliance with Yamani and Sargon didn't bother in attacking Judah – he did however conquer Ashdod. The archaeologists say Sargon destroyed Ashdod – and this was why Ashdod-Yam was built. Are they right?