The Canaanites, who founded the city of Ashkelon, based the name on the word shekel – a measure of weight. The term was fitting for a port and commercial city. The Philistines took control of the Canaanite city shortly after 1200 BCE and, recognizing its economic potential, turned it into the main port of Philistia. In the 10th century BCE, Ashkelon annexed the fertile fields in the area of modern Tel Aviv, and sent the produce by ship to its markets. The city’s prosperity was cut short in 604 BCE when it was conquered by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar who completely destroyed it. The thick black layer of ash and the many artifacts that were discovered in the remains testify to the extent of the destruction.