Jerusalem (CNN) Archaeologists have unearthed the first Philistine cemetery ever discovered, shedding light on an ancient civilization that was home to one of the Bible's most famous villains.

Historians have long hoped to learn more about the Philistines, and the burial ground offers insight into this ancient and historic population.

The Philistines are best known for Goliath, the giant who challenged a young David to battle near the Valley of Elah; the pair's story is recounted in the biblical books of Samuel.

Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered First ever Philistine cemetery discovered – Archaeologists have unearthed the first Philistine cemetery ever found, at Ashkelon in southern Israel. Hide Caption 1 of 6 Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered First ever Philistine cemetery discovered – The burial ground offers clues to the ancient civilization that was home to Goliath, one of the Bible's most famous villains. Hide Caption 2 of 6 Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered First ever Philistine cemetery discovered – "This cemetery is going to teach us a whole lot about the Philistines that we've never known before," said Daniel Master, professor of archaeology at Wheaton College. Hide Caption 3 of 6 Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered First ever Philistine cemetery discovered – Some of the skeletons found at the site were buried with jugs, storage jars and bowls. Others wore jewelry or had weapons in their grave. Hide Caption 4 of 6 Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered First ever Philistine cemetery discovered – The cemetery also had evidence of cremations, pit internments, and multi-chambered tombs. Hide Caption 5 of 6 Photos: First ever Philistine cemetery discovered First ever Philistine cemetery discovered – Bone samples from the site will be tested to try and find out where the Philistines came from -- passages in the Bible suggest they originated in ancient Crete. Hide Caption 6 of 6

The 3,000-year-old site was found at Ashkelon, in southern Israel; its discovery marks the culmination of more than 30 years of exploration at the site.

"This cemetery is going to teach us a whole lot about the Philistines that we've never known before," said Daniel Master, professor of archaeology at Wheaton College and co-director of the Leon Levy Expedition to Ashkelon.

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