The Canaanites were ancient people groups in the areas in and around Israel, Phoenicia, and Philistia. The name appears in the Bible many times, primarily as people opposed to the nation of Israel and the monotheistic worship of Yahweh.
After a 15-year dig, archaeologists in Israel have uncovered an ancient Canaanite fortress that dates back to the time of David and Solomon. It's believed to have protected the Gihon spring, described in the Book of Kings as the location of King Solomon’s anointing.