Settlement in the region of Gaza dates…

Settlement in the region of Gaza dates back to 3300 BCE–3000 BCE at Tell as-Sakan, a site located south of the present-day city, which began as an Egyptian fortress built in Canaanite territory.

Tell as-Sakan prospers as Canaanite cities begin to trade agricultural goods with the Egyptians.

When Egypt's economic interests shift to the cedar trade with Lebanon, however, Gaza's role is reduced to that of a port for ships carrying goods and it declines economically.

The site is virtually abandoned and will remain so throughout the Early Bronze Age II.