About Tel Megiddo

Tel Megiddo is the site of the ancient city of Megiddo and famous for several historical battles. It is an archaeological site comprising 26 layers of ruins of ancient cities in a strategic location overlooking the Jezreel Valley.

Strategic Location

Megiddo was an important city in the ancient world as it controlled a major pass along Via Maris or “Way of the Sea”, an ancient trade route that connected Egypt and Mesopotamia. It also stood along the route that connected the Phoenician cities with Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley.

Scene of Many Battles

Through the Jezreel Valley many armies have marched and fought, from the days of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III to General Edmund Allenby. Megiddo is perhaps best known as the site of the Battle of Armageddon, the final fight of end times as prophesied in the Book of Revelation. The name Armageddon comes from the Hebrew word “Har Megiddo” which means the “hill of Megiddo”.

Archaeological Findings

Excavations have revealed traces of stables extensive enough to have held thousands of horses during King Solomon’s reign. The massive water system, from the days of King Ahab, was constructed with a 30m deep shaft and a 70m long tunnel that is connected to the only spring outside the fortress walls.