The coastal plain of the Land of Israel extends from Mt. Carmel in the north to the foothills of Judea in the south. Strategically located along the Via Maris and parallel to the Mediterranean Sea, this region has witnessed all the upheavals of human civilization and peoples that have passed through the land of Israel. The area between Mt. Carmel and the ancient port of Jaffa (modern Tel Aviv), is perhaps the most fertile region of the land of Israel and known by its Biblical name: the Sharon.

South of Jaffa the lands running parallel to the hills of Judea are known by their Hebrew name of "Shephelak" - low lands. Along the coast developed the port cities of the Land of Israel, the oldest being Jaffa (thought to be named after Jafeth son of Noah). After the settlement of the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Dan was promised this region.

Towards the south, at about the same time that the Children of Israel crossed into the Promised Land at Jericho, many scholars felt that the "people's of the sea" began their conquest of the southern coastal region, eventually establishing an independent "Philistine" culture and confederation. The cities of the Philistines included Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron and Gath.