In 1226, the Syrian geographer Yaqut al-Hamawi called it "Firbiya" (or "Farbaya") and noted that it was within the administrative jurisdiction of Ascalon.

[7] A circular well, made of masonry, and the foundations of a small tower[clarification needed] were still found there in the late 19th century.

The villagers paid a fixed tax rate of 33.3% on various products, including wheat, barley, grapes, fruit, and cotton; a total of 35,500 akçe.

[13][14] In the late 19th century Hirbiya had a rectangular layout, although some of its adobe brick houses were scattered in surrounding orchards.

Khalidi speculates that the village fell to Israeli forces in early November, shortly after the occupation of Ascalon.

[6] Following the war the area was incorporated into the State of Israel and two kibbutzim, Zikim and Karmia, were established on village lands in 1949 and 1950 respectively.