David at Ziklag and the origins of David's men of valor

DAVID AT ZIKLAG AND THE ORIGIN OF DAVID’S MEN OF VALOR, c. 1018 to 1017 B.C.

David, in trying to obtain asylum with Achish of Gath, proposed to his new master that he be assigned a place in Philistine territory (i.e. Ziklag) where he could serve as his vassal (see 1 Sam 27:5–6). One mound which fits this description admirably is Tell esh-Sharî‘ah (Tel Sera‘), in the Wâdi esh-Sharî‘ah (Nahal Gerar), approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) southeast of Gaza. A site is required where David’s subsequent activities and behavior while at Ziklag can make sense. Strata of the appropriate periods matching the biblical references to Ziklag have been uncovered in recent excavations, including evidence of a substantial Philistine presence in the later part of the Iron I period.

Article abstract from The Sacred Bridge