This stone bath from the 11th century BCE was found, sunk in a plaster base, in the industrial district of Philistine Ashkelon. Nearby, 150 loom weights, were found, similar to those that can be seen in the glass cabinet to your left. Some believe that the bath was used for the production of wine, others claim it was used to steep wool in before weaving textiles. In this context, we should remember that Samson, the hero, slew 30 men in Ashkelon and took from them 30 suits. Either way, these two industries were common in Philistia.