Tel Megiddo, Otherwise Known As Armageddon

Tel Megiddo is an interesting archaeological site in the Jezreel Valley in northern Israel.

Here is a satellite view and map of the area (zoom in for a closer aerial view of the site or zoom out to see its location within Israel as a whole):

You might also know the place as Armageddon – the place in which a great battle will take place according to Christian tradition.

There was also a movie with the same name – Armageddon – but I doubt Bruce Willis will be there while you visit.

In ancient and biblical times Megiddo was one of the most important cities in the country due to its location on a trade route between the two superpowers of those days – Egypt and Mesopotamia. It is mentioned in the bible as the location of many battles over its control.

If you are into archeology you will have a fascinating visit to Megiddo. The main archeological findings are from the Canaanite period and the later Israelite period. In those periods the city flourished and you will be amazed at the technology those ancient cultures had.

What should you see when you visit?

Since the site is fairly small you can manage to see quite a lot of Megiddo, if not the whole thing, in a short time. The interesting spots are the palaces, the stables and the water system.

Below are a few pictures my dad took at the site:

Ancient archeological findings at Armageddon.

Check out the ancient pool - the Israelites knew how to have fun too...(just kidding - it was a reservoir).

Down the rabbit hole - Oshrit at the top of the water system.