There is some uncertainty as to the use of this name; it probably denotes a fair-skinned and blue-eyed race (as we learn from Egyptian monuments) who inhabited the south of Palestine before Semitic tribes like the Israelites, Ammonites, Edomites, etc., made their appearance there. Lachish was one of their chief cities. In the Tell el-Amarna tablets Amurri is the common name for Palestine. Among the Amorites were included the Hivites.