From the Middle Bronze Age (2000–1550 B.C.) on, part of Ashqelon’s defenses included a “C–shaped" rampart that was 1.5 mi. [2.4 km.] long. It was open to the west—towards the Mediterranean Sea. In places it is 130 ft. [40 m.] high and it encompasses an area of about 150 acres [61 ha.].