The Philistines are believed to be of Aegean origin, due to recent excavations, and the founding of pottery and other artifacts scattered all over the holy land. It is also believed that they reached the eastern Mediterranean region during the final years of the Late Bronze age and the initial stage of the Iron age (ca. 1250-1100 BCE). The Philistines were responsible, in part, for the major changes that occurred during this period, for, they became a prominent force in the land.

The Philistines settled on the southern coastal plain of the land of Canaan (currently occupied Palestine), in cities like Ashdood, Tell El-Safi, Ashkelon and Akron, which became known as Philistia, bringing unique aspects in their material culture such as Aegean style pottery, cultic objects and architecture. They introduced important innovations, such as efficient military and political organization and superior iron weaponry.

In the early stages of the Iron age, the Philistines extended their rule to areas beyond Philistia itself, presenting a substantial challenge to the then new Israelite entity. The ongoing tension between the Philistines and the Israelites are portrayed in the Bible in the books of Judges and Samuel. In fact, many believe that the primary reason for the founding of the Israelite kingdom, at first by Saul, but more successfully by David, was an answer to the Israelite’s tribes inability to efficiently counter the Philistines' existence.

Throughout the Iron age, the Philistines and the Israelites were in constant confrontations.  During the later parts of the Iron age, the Philistines fell under the Assyrian yoke, and Philistia became an important part of the Assyrian empire, serving as the gateway to Egypt. Though by this time much of the Philistines' culture is not as prominent, the Philistines still retained a distinct ethnic and cultural identity. At the very end of the Iron Age, Philistia was conquered by the Babylonians (ca. 604 BCE).

In later periods, the region continued to be called Philistia, and later Palestine, which is still used as the overall name given for that land.