n.
Ancient name for an area of shifting boundaries but centred on Palestine .
Coastal Canaanite civilization dates to the Paleolithic Period; towns developed in Neolithic times ( 0441; 70004000 BC). The name appears in writings from the 15th century BC. Invaded by the Hebrews ( 0441; 1200 BC), who settled in southern areas, it was later invaded by the Philistine s. In the 10th century BC the Israelites, under King David , broke Philistine power, and Canaan became thereafter the Land of Israel, the "Promised Land" of the biblical book of Exodus .