Difference between revisions of "Tel Megiddo" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox World Heritage Site
 
{{Infobox World Heritage Site
 
| WHS        = Biblical Tells – [[Tel Megiddo|Megiddo]], [[Hazor (archaeological site)|Hazor]], [[Tel Be'er Sheva|Beer Sheba]]
 
| WHS        = Biblical Tells – [[Tel Megiddo|Megiddo]], [[Hazor (archaeological site)|Hazor]], [[Tel Be'er Sheva|Beer Sheba]]
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[[Image:JPF-TelMegiddo.JPG|thumb|Ruins atop Tel Megiddo.]]
 
  
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'''Megiddo''' ({{lang-he|מגידו}}) is a hill in modern [[Israel]] near the [[Kibbutz]] of [[Megiddo (kibbutz)|Megiddo]], known for historical, geographical, and theological reasons.  
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'''Tel Megiddo''' ({{lang-he|מגידו}}) is a hill in modern [[Israel]] near the [[Kibbutz]] of [[Megiddo (kibbutz)|Megiddo]], the site of the ancient city of Megiddo, and famous for several famous historical battles. It is located about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of the coastal city of [[Haifa]] in northern region of Israel.
  
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In ancient times Megiddo was an important city state. It is also known alternatively as Tel Megiddo (Hebrew) and Tell al-Mutesellim (Arabic). Megiddo is a ''[[tell|tel]]'' (hill or mound) made of 26 layers of the ruins of ancient cities in a strategic location at the head of a pass through the [[Carmel Ridge]], which overlooks the [[Jezreel Valley|Valley of Jezreel]] from the west. The city is mentioned in the [[New Testament]] as the site for [[Armageddon]].
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A rich archaeological site covering many levels of settlement, it is known alternatively as Tel Megiddo (Hebrew) and Tel al-Mutesellim (Arabic), the word tel meaning "hill." It comprises 26 layers of the ruins of ancient cities in a strategic location at the head of a pass through the [[Mount Carmel|Carmel Ridge]], which overlooks the [[Jezreel Valley|Valley of Jezreel]] from the west.  
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{{toc}}
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In ancient times Megiddo was an important city-state of ancient [[Canaan]] and an important town in the later [[Kingdom of Israel]]. It was strategically located along a major trade route and was the site of three major battles in military history. Numerous significant archaeological finds have been discovered there since the early twentieth century. It is perhaps best known, however, as the location of the supposed future battle of [[Armageddon]] predicted in the [[New Testament]] [[Book of Revelation]].
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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Megiddo was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a narrow pass and an ancient [[trade route]] which connected the lands of [[Egypt]] and [[Assyria]]. In the Bible, this route was called [[Derekh HaYam]] ({{lang-he|דרך הים}}), or "Way of the Sea." It became an important military artery of later armies, and during the period of the [[Roman Empire]], the route was known as the [[Via Maris]]. Because of its strategic location at the crossroads of several major routes, Megiddo and its environs have witnessed several major battles throughout history. The site was inhabited from 7000 B.C.E. to 500 B.C.E..
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[[Image:Rounded altar in megiddo temple.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Ruins of ancient temple with rounded altar (center)]]
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[[Image:Megido mapa.svg|thumb|200px|Map shows Megiddo's location at the base of the [[Mount Carmel|Carmel]] mountain range along the Via Maris.]]
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[[Image:JPF-TelMegiddo.JPG|thumb|200px|Ruins atop Tel Megiddo.]]
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[[Image:Megido City Gate1.jpg|thumb|The City Gate|200px|Ancient Megiddo city gate]]
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[[Image:Megiddo model.jpg|thumb|200px|Model of ancient Megiddo]]
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[[Image:Amarna letter mp3h8878.jpg|thumb|200px|Letter from a [[Canaanite]] prince of Megiddo found at Amarna, Egypt]]
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Megiddo was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a major pass along an ancient [[trade route]] which connected the lands of [[Egypt]] and [[Mesopotamia]]. In the Bible, this route was called [[Derekh HaYam]] ({{lang-he|דרך הים}}), or "Way of the Sea." It became an important military artery of later armies, and during the period of the [[Roman Empire]], the route was known as the [[Via Maris]]. Megiddo also lay along the route that connected [[Jerusalem]] and the [[Jordan River]] valley with the important coastal trading cities of [[Phoenicia]].
  
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Famous battles at Megiddo include:
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Excavations indicate that the city was site was inhabited by 7000 B.C.E. and an established settlement existed as early as 4000 B.C.E. Prior to Israelite settlement, Megiddo was an important town of ancient Canaan, overlooking the Valley of Jezreel, also known as the Plain of Esdraelon. After the Israelite conquest, the city was reportedly rebuilt and fortified by King [[Solomon]]. Structures thought to be stables were excavated at Megiddo in the twentieth century and initially dated to this Solomon's time, but the dating and even the function of these buildings as been challenged by more recent findings. The site was inhabited from 7000 B.C.E. to 500 B.C.E.
  
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*Battle of Megiddo of 1478 B.C.E.: fought between the armies of the Egyptian [[pharaoh]] [[Thutmose III]] and a large [[Canaan]]ite coalition led by the rulers of [[Megiddo]] and [[Kadesh]]. This is the first documented battle in recorded history. The battle is described in detail in the [[Egyptian hieroglyphs|hieroglyphics]] found on the walls of [[Karnak Temple|his temple]] in Upper Egypt.
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Because of its strategic location, the site has been the location of several well known military encounters. Famous battles at Megiddo include:
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*'''Battle of Megiddo of 1478 B.C.E.:''' Fought between the armies of the Egyptian [[pharaoh]] [[Thutmose III]] and a large [[Canaan]]ite coalition led by the rulers of [[Megiddo]] and [[Kadesh]]. This is the first documented battle in recorded history. The battle is described in detail in the [[Egyptian hieroglyphs|hieroglyphics]] found on the walls of [[Karnak Temple|his temple]] in Upper Egypt.
 
   
 
   
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*[[Battle of Megiddo of 609 B.C.E.: fought between [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] and the [[Kingdom of Judah]], in which King [[Josiah]], fell. Josiah, hailed by the biblical writers as the greatest king since David, had ridden north from Jerusalem to head off an Egyptian force preparing to attack the Babylonian army.
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*'''Battle of Megiddo of 609 B.C.E.:''' Fought between [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] and the [[Kingdom of Judah]], in which King [[Josiah]], fell while opposing [[Neccho II]]. Josiah, hailed by the biblical writers as the greatest king since [[David]], had ridden north from Jerusalem to head off an Egyptian force preparing to attack the Babylonian army.  
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*[[Battle of Megiddo of 1918 C.E.: fought during [[World War I]] between Allied troops, led by General [[Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby|Edmund Allenby]], and the defending [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] army.
 
  
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Megiddo is perhaps best known, however, as the site of a battle prophesied in the [[New Testament]] [[Book of Revelation]]. Known as [[Armageddon]], this future encounter will supposedly pit the forces of good against the armies of evil. It is described as follows:
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*'''Battle of Megiddo of 1918 C.E.:''' Fought during [[World War I]] between Allied troops, led by General [[Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby|Edmund Allenby]], and the defending [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] army.
  
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<blockquote> 16Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
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Megiddo is perhaps best known, however, as the site of a future battle prophesied in the [[New Testament]] [[Book of Revelation]] (see below).  
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Then I saw three evil[a] spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
 
  
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15"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
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In addition to the above battles, a [[stele]] found at the site indicates that it may have been occupied by [[Sheshonk I]] (biblical Shishak) in the late tenth century B.C.E. Later, King [[Ahaziah of Judah]] died at Megiddo while fleeing from [[Jehu]] of Israel during the latter's coup against Ahaziah's ally [[Joram of Israel]] about 842 B.C.E. Hundreds of Phoenician ivories have been discovered at the site, showing its importance as a trading center linking both Egypt and the northeast, and the coastal cities with the interior of Israel and Judah. Although the site remained of strategic importance, the town of of Megiddo seems to have been abandoned around 450 B.C.E..
  
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16Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.  
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Today, Megiddo is an important junction on the main road connecting the center of Israel with lower [[Galilee]] and the northern region. Thr modern [[Kibbutz]] of [[Megiddo (kibbutz)|Megiddo]] is nearby, just a little less than 1 [[Kilometer|km]] away to the south.
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</blockquote>
 
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[[Image:Megido City Gate1.jpg|thumb|The City Gate|200px|left]]
 
  
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Megiddo has been excavated three times. The first excavations were carried out between 1903 and 1905 by [[Gottlieb Schumacher]] for the German Society for Oriental Research. In 1925, digging was resumed by Oriental Institute of the [[University of Chicago]], financed by [[John D. Rockefeller, Jr.]] until the outbreak of the [[Second World War]]. During these excavation it was discovered that there were twenty levels of habitation, and many of the uncovered remains are preserved at the [[Rockefeller Museum]] in Jerusalem and the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.
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==Excavations==
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Megiddo has been excavated several times. The first excavations were carried out between 1903 and 1905, by [[Gottlieb Schumacher]] for the German Society for Oriental Research. In 1925, digging was resumed by Oriental Institute of the [[University of Chicago]], financed by [[John D. Rockefeller, Jr.]] until the outbreak of the [[Second World War]]. During these excavation it was discovered that there were 20 levels of habitation, and many of the uncovered remains are preserved at the [[Rockefeller Museum]] in Jerusalem and the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. In the 1960's, Israel archaeologist [[Yigael Yadin]] conducted several smaller scale excavations. The site has most recently (since 1994) been the subject of biannual excavation campaigns conducted by [[The Megiddo Expedition]] of [[Tel Aviv University]], directed by [[Israel Finkelstein]] and [[David Ussishkin]], together with a consortium of international universities.
  
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In the 1960's, [[Yigael Yadin]] conducted several smaller scaled excavations. Megiddo has most recently (since 1994) been the subject of biannual excavation campaigns conducted by [[The Megiddo Expedition]] of [[Tel Aviv University]], directed by [[Israel Finkelstein]] and [[David Ussishkin]], together with a consortium of international universities.
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===The Megiddo "stables"===
  
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Modern [[Kibbutz]] of [[Megiddo (kibbutz)|Megiddo]] is nearby just a little less then 1 [[Kilometer|km]] away to the south.
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[[Image:0141.JPG|thumb|200px|Supposed mangers at Megiddo]]
  
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Today, Megiddo is an important junction on the main road connecting the center of Israel with lower [[Galilee]] and the northern region.
+
At Megiddo two complexes originally thought to be stables were excavated from Stratum IVA, one in the north and one in the south. The southern complex contained five structures built around a lime paved courtyard. The buildings themselves were divided into three sections. Two long stone paved aisles were built adjacent to a main corridor paved with lime. The buildings were about 21 meters long by 11 meters wide. Separating the main corridor from outside aisles was a series of stone pillars. Holes were bored into many of these pillars, possibly so that horses could be tied to them. Also, the remains of stone structures thought to be [[mangers]] were found in the buildings. It was suggested that each side could hold 15 horses, giving each building an overall capacity of 30 horses. The buildings on the northern side of the city were similar in their construction, but with no central courtyard. If the complex was indeed a stable, then the capacity of the northern buildings was about 300 horses altogether. Both complexes could hold from 450-480 horses combined.
  
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==Ancient church discovered under prison==
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The buildings were found during excavations between 1927 and 1934 at Megiddo. Head excavator, P.L.O. Guy, originally interpreted the buildings as stables and dated them to the time of King [[Solomon]]. Since then, his conclusions have been challenged by scholars such as [[James B. Pritchard|James Pritchard]], [[Ze'ev Herzog]], and [[Yohanan Aharoni]]. Noting that no items associated with horses, [[chariot]]s or [[cavalry]] were found at the location, they suggest that the buildings should be interpreted as either storehouses, marketplaces, or barracks. [[Yigael Yadin]] and [[J. S. Holladay]] argue against this conclusion but date the construction to the time of King [[Ahab]] of Israel rather than Solomon.
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In 2005, Israeli archaeologist [[Yotam Tepper]] of [[Tel-Aviv University]] discovered the remains of a church, believed to be from the third century, a time when [[Christianity|Christians]] were still persecuted by the [[Roman Empire]]. Among the finds is an approx. 54 square meter large [[mosaic]] with a [[Greek language|Greek]] inscription stating that the church is consecrated to "the God [[Jesus]] Christ." The mosaic is very well preserved and features geometrical figures and images of [[Ichthys|fish]], an early Christian symbol. It is speculated that this may be the oldest remains of a church in the [[Holy Land]].<ref>[http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100017_07/11/2005_62721 Greek inscription in 'oldest church']</ref> The remains were found within the grounds of a military prison, and Israeli authorities are currently speculating about moving the prison.
 
  
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An inscription in the Megiddo church calls for a [[Roman Empire|Roman]] officer, "Gaianus," who donated "his own money" to have a mosaic made. Those who propose an early dating for this site have questioned whether a Roman officer would risk his career or even his life to build a church<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/07/international/middleeast/07mideast.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Israeli Prisoners Dig Their Way to Early Christianity]</ref>. On the other hand, [[Persecution of Christians#Persecution from the second century to Constantine|persecution of Christians]] was sporadic in the Roman Empire during the early third century. The archaeological evidence is pointing to a later date placing the church in the last quarter of the 3rd or first quarter of the 4th century.
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===Ancient church ===
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In 2005, Israeli archaeologist [[Yotam Tepper]] of [[Tel-Aviv University]] discovered the remains of a church, believed to be from the third or fourth century, a time when [[Christianity|Christians]] were still persecuted by the [[Roman Empire]].  
  
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==The Megiddo Stables==
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Among the finds is a large [[mosaic]] with a [[Greek language|Greek]] inscription stating that the church is consecrated to "the God [[Jesus]] Christ." The mosaic is very well preserved and features geometrical figures and images of [[Ichthys|fish]], an early Christian symbol. It is speculated that this may be the oldest remains of a church in the [[Holy Land]].<ref>Ekathimerini, [http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100017_07/11/2005_62721 Greek inscription in "oldest church."] Retrieved October 29, 2008.</ref>The remains were found within the grounds of a contemporary Israeli military prison.
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At Megiddo two stable complexes were excavated from Stratum IVA, one in the north and one in the south. The southern complex contained five structures built around a lime paved courtyard. The buildings themselves were divided into three sections. Two long stone paved aisles were built adjacent to a main corridor paved with lime. The buildings were about twenty-one meters long by eleven meters wide. Separating the main corridor from outside aisles was a series of stone pillars. Holes were bored into many of these pillars so that horses could be tied to them. Also, the remains of stone mangers were found in the buildings. These mangers were placed between the pillars to feed the horses. It is suggested that each side could hold fifteen horses, giving each building an overall capacity of thirty horses. The buildings on the northern side of the city were similar in their construction. However, there was no central courtyard. The capacity of the northern buildings was about three hundred horses altogether. Both complexes could hold from 450-480 horses combined.
 
  
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The buildings were found during excavations between 1927 and 1934 at Megiddo. Head excavator, P.L.O. Guy, originally interpreted the buildings as stables. Since then his conclusions have been challenged by scholars such as [[James B. Pritchard|James Pritchard]], [[Ze'ev Herzog]], and [[Yohanan Aharoni]]. They suggest that the buildings should be interpreted as either storehouses, marketplaces or barracks. Nevertheless, [[Yigael Yadin]] and [[J. S. Holladay]] strongly argue against this conclusion. Other Tripartite Buildings have been found at other sites such as Hazor and Beer-Sheba. The evidence at these other sites is not absolutely conclusive. It is also possible, as [[Amihai Mazar]] suggests, that similarly shaped buildings in different cities may have been put to different uses.<ref>Amihai Mazar, ''Archaeology of the Land of the Bible'' (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 476-78.</ref>
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An inscription in the Megiddo church speaks of a [[Roman Empire|Roman]] officer, "Gaianus," who donated "his own money" to have a mosaic made. Some authorities question an early dating for this site on the grounds that a Roman officer would not risk his career or even his life to build a church.<ref>''New York Times,'' [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/07/international/middleeast/07mideast.html?_r=1&oref=slogin Israeli Prisoners Dig Their Way to Early Christianity.] Retrieved November 24, 2008.</ref> On the other hand, [[Persecution of Christians#Persecution from the second century to Constantine|persecution of Christians]] was sporadic in the Roman Empire during the early third century.
  
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==Megiddo In Christian Prophecy==
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==Megiddo in Christian prophecy==
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According to the Bible, this place will be the venue for [[Armageddon]] (that derives from the name's place in Hebrew) or the battle between the Antichrist coming up from Africa (returning from an imperialistic war) and Jesus.
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In the [[Book of Revelation]], Megiddo is the site of a future cataclysmic battle seen by [[John of Patmos]] as the precursor to the descent of the [[New Jerusalem]] and the [[Marriage Supper of the Lamb]]. Known as [[Armageddon]], this future encounter will supposedly pit the forces of good against the armies of evil. It is described as follows:
  
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==References in popular culture==
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<blockquote>
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[[Image:Megiddo05.JPG|thumb|Tel Megiddo|200px|right]]
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Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty… Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon (Rev. 16:14-16).
 +
</blockquote>
  
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===In literature===
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The significance, timing, and participants in the [[Battle of Armageddon]] have been the subject of considerable speculation and debate throughout Christian history through the present day.
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*The apocalyptic novel ''[[Alas, Babylon]]'' is centered around a nuclear war which is started after an inadvertent United States airstrike against the Soviet-backed port of [[Latakia|Latakia, Syria]]. Right before launching the missile that caused the harbor's destruction, an American fighter pilot sights the Megiddo, which is symbolic of the "armageddon" to come with the destruction of numerous cities and entire regions.
 
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===In games===
 
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*Megiddo was the name of a 1985 [[board game]], loosely based on the historic battleground, published by a small company called Global Games from [[Spokane, Washington]].
 
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*Megiddo is featured in the [[Game Boy Advance]] game, [[Golden Sun: The Lost Age]] as a special move usable when the ''Sol Blade'' is equipped.
 
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*In the ''[[Square-Enix]]'' game ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]'', the most powerful monster in the game ([[Omega Weapon|Omega WEAPON]]) casts a spell called ''Megiddo Flame''.
 
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*In the ''[[Square-Enix]]'' game ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'', there are creatures named Chimaera who cast a spell also called ''Megiddo Flame'', which is a ball of flame dealing damage to one character.
 
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*In the ''[[Sega]]'' game series ''[[Phantasy Star]]'', the most powerful offensive technique is known as ''Megido''.
 
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*The RPG game series [[Megami Tensei]] also features a spell called Megido, dealing damage regardless of any elemental resistances.
 
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*The Meggido Cannon is the second most powerful gun in the popular strategy RPG [[Disgaea 2]].
 
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*In [[Digimon Tamers]], [[Megidramon]] is a Mega-level [[Digimon]] whose name comes from the word "Megiddo."
 
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*In [[Tales of the Tempest]], Rubia learns ''Megiddo Flame'' at level 64, as it is the last spell she learns.
 
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*Megido is a [[magic spell]] family in Japanese video game series [[Megami Tensei]]. Suffix indicates higher tier. They deal Almighty-elemental damage to large number of foe.
 
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*The boss [[Cubia]] in the [[Role-playing game|RPG]] series [[.hack]] has an attack called Megiddo Flame.
 
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* Tel Megiddo was the main inspiration behind the fictional Tell Makor in the novel ''The Source'' by [[James A. Michener]].
 
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===In motion pictures===
 
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*The evangelical Christian motion picture [[Megiddo: The Omega Code 2]] is an apocalyptic thriller released theatrically in 2001.
 
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*In the film ''[[The Omen]]'', daggers capable of killing the [[Anti-Christ]] were buried at Megiddo. In the film, Robert Thorn acquired the daggers by way of a fallen priest named Bugenhagen, and passed on to Robert's brother, Richard in ''[[Damien: Omen II]]'' and to [[Father Decarlo]] in ''[[Omen III: The Final Conflict]]''.
 
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*In the one shot story Spriggan: First Mission by [[Ryoji Minagawa]] and [[Hiroshi Takashige]], archaeologists uncovered an artifact in the Middle East called the [[Megiddo Flame]].
 
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*In the science fiction manga (and anime) series [[Toward the Terra]] there are huge cross shaped weapons in space which are called Megido. Even one Megido has the power to destroy a whole planet in an instant.
 
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* In [[Bill Maher]]'s documentary [[Religulous]], Maher delivers his closing thesis from the ruins of Tel Megiddo.
 
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===In music===
 
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*The Japanese band, [[Pierrot (band)|Pierrot]], released a song called "Megido no oka" (The Hill of Megido - メギドの丘).
 
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*The [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[avant-garde metal]] band [[Celtic Frost]] recorded a song called "Dawn of Megiddo" on their album ''[[To Mega Therion (album)|To Mega Therion]]''.
 
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*The [[Poland|Polish]] [[black metal]] band [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]] recorded a song called "Fields of Haar-Megiddo" on their [[Demo (music)|demo]] album ''[[...From the Pagan Vastlands]]''.
 
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*The band [[Down (band)|Down]] recorded a song titled "Landing on the Mountains of Meggido" for their album [[Down II]].
 
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*The band [[British Sea Power]] refers to Megiddo in their song "No Lucifer."
 
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*The Japanese band [[Rentrer En Soi]] are set to release a [[mini-album]] called "Megiddo" on October 22, 2008.
 
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===Other===
 
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*Megiddo is a bar in Vienna, Austria.
 
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
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*[[Megiddo]] (disambiguation)
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*[[Josiah]]
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*[[Battle of Megiddo]] (disambiguation)
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*[[Armageddon]]
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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{{reflist}}
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<references/>
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==References==
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* Beit-Arieh, Itzhaq, Liora Freud, and Moshe Fischer. ''Two Fortresses in the Biblical Negev.'' Institute of Archaeology, 2008. ISBN 9789652660220. 
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* Cline, Eric H. ''The Battles of Armageddon: Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley from the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age''. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 2000. ISBN 9780472097395.
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* Davies, Graham I. ''Megiddo''. Cambridge: Lutterworth Press, 1986. ISBN 9780802802477.
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* Finkelstein, Israel, David Ussishkin, and Baruch Halpern. ''Megiddo IV: The 1998-2002 Seasons''. Tel Aviv: Emery and Claire Yass Publications in Archaeology, 2006. OCLC 74716900.
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* Harrison, Timothy, and Douglas L. Esse. ''Megiddo 3: Final Report of the Stratum Vi Excavations''. Chicago, IL: Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, 2004. ISBN 9781885923318.
  
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==External links==
 
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{{Commonscat|Meggido}}
 
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*[http://www.tau.ac.il/humanities/archaeology/megiddo/ The Megiddo Expedition]
 
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*[http://www.bibleplaces.com/megiddo.htm Megiddo At Bibleplaces.com]
 
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*[http://www.parks.org.il/ParksENG/company_card.php3?CNumber=507185 Tel Megiddo National Park] from the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority
 
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*[http://ebibletools.com/israel/megiddo/index.html Megiddo: Tell el-Mutesellim] from ''Images of Archaeological Sites in Israel''
 
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*{{web cite|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09526a.htm|title=Mageddo|work=[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]}} - contains list of Biblical references
 
  
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{{World Heritage Sites in Israel}}
 
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Latest revision as of 21:46, 28 October 2022

Biblical Tells – Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tel megido.JPG
State Party Flag of Israel Israel
Type Cultural
Criteria ii, iii, iv, vi
Reference 1108
Region** Europe and North America
Inscription history
Inscription 2005  (29th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.
** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Tel Megiddo (Hebrew: מגידו) is a hill in modern Israel near the Kibbutz of Megiddo, the site of the ancient city of Megiddo, and famous for several famous historical battles. It is located about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of the coastal city of Haifa in northern region of Israel.

A rich archaeological site covering many levels of settlement, it is known alternatively as Tel Megiddo (Hebrew) and Tel al-Mutesellim (Arabic), the word tel meaning "hill." It comprises 26 layers of the ruins of ancient cities in a strategic location at the head of a pass through the Carmel Ridge, which overlooks the Valley of Jezreel from the west.

In ancient times Megiddo was an important city-state of ancient Canaan and an important town in the later Kingdom of Israel. It was strategically located along a major trade route and was the site of three major battles in military history. Numerous significant archaeological finds have been discovered there since the early twentieth century. It is perhaps best known, however, as the location of the supposed future battle of Armageddon predicted in the New Testament Book of Revelation.

History

Ruins of ancient temple with rounded altar (center)
Map shows Megiddo's location at the base of the Carmel mountain range along the Via Maris.
Ruins atop Tel Megiddo.
Ancient Megiddo city gate
Model of ancient Megiddo
Letter from a Canaanite prince of Megiddo found at Amarna, Egypt

Megiddo was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a major pass along an ancient trade route which connected the lands of Egypt and Mesopotamia. In the Bible, this route was called Derekh HaYam (Hebrew: דרך הים), or "Way of the Sea." It became an important military artery of later armies, and during the period of the Roman Empire, the route was known as the Via Maris. Megiddo also lay along the route that connected Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley with the important coastal trading cities of Phoenicia.

Excavations indicate that the city was site was inhabited by 7000 B.C.E. and an established settlement existed as early as 4000 B.C.E. Prior to Israelite settlement, Megiddo was an important town of ancient Canaan, overlooking the Valley of Jezreel, also known as the Plain of Esdraelon. After the Israelite conquest, the city was reportedly rebuilt and fortified by King Solomon. Structures thought to be stables were excavated at Megiddo in the twentieth century and initially dated to this Solomon's time, but the dating and even the function of these buildings as been challenged by more recent findings. The site was inhabited from 7000 B.C.E. to 500 B.C.E.

Because of its strategic location, the site has been the location of several well known military encounters. Famous battles at Megiddo include:

  • Battle of Megiddo of 1478 B.C.E.: Fought between the armies of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition led by the rulers of Megiddo and Kadesh. This is the first documented battle in recorded history. The battle is described in detail in the hieroglyphics found on the walls of his temple in Upper Egypt.
  • Battle of Megiddo of 609 B.C.E.: Fought between Egypt and the Kingdom of Judah, in which King Josiah, fell while opposing Neccho II. Josiah, hailed by the biblical writers as the greatest king since David, had ridden north from Jerusalem to head off an Egyptian force preparing to attack the Babylonian army.
  • Battle of Megiddo of 1918 C.E.: Fought during World War I between Allied troops, led by General Edmund Allenby, and the defending Ottoman army.

Megiddo is perhaps best known, however, as the site of a future battle prophesied in the New Testament Book of Revelation (see below).

In addition to the above battles, a stele found at the site indicates that it may have been occupied by Sheshonk I (biblical Shishak) in the late tenth century B.C.E. Later, King Ahaziah of Judah died at Megiddo while fleeing from Jehu of Israel during the latter's coup against Ahaziah's ally Joram of Israel about 842 B.C.E. Hundreds of Phoenician ivories have been discovered at the site, showing its importance as a trading center linking both Egypt and the northeast, and the coastal cities with the interior of Israel and Judah. Although the site remained of strategic importance, the town of of Megiddo seems to have been abandoned around 450 B.C.E.

Today, Megiddo is an important junction on the main road connecting the center of Israel with lower Galilee and the northern region. Thr modern Kibbutz of Megiddo is nearby, just a little less than 1 km away to the south.

Excavations

Megiddo has been excavated several times. The first excavations were carried out between 1903 and 1905, by Gottlieb Schumacher for the German Society for Oriental Research. In 1925, digging was resumed by Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, financed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. until the outbreak of the Second World War. During these excavation it was discovered that there were 20 levels of habitation, and many of the uncovered remains are preserved at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem and the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. In the 1960's, Israel archaeologist Yigael Yadin conducted several smaller scale excavations. The site has most recently (since 1994) been the subject of biannual excavation campaigns conducted by The Megiddo Expedition of Tel Aviv University, directed by Israel Finkelstein and David Ussishkin, together with a consortium of international universities.

The Megiddo "stables"

Supposed mangers at Megiddo

At Megiddo two complexes originally thought to be stables were excavated from Stratum IVA, one in the north and one in the south. The southern complex contained five structures built around a lime paved courtyard. The buildings themselves were divided into three sections. Two long stone paved aisles were built adjacent to a main corridor paved with lime. The buildings were about 21 meters long by 11 meters wide. Separating the main corridor from outside aisles was a series of stone pillars. Holes were bored into many of these pillars, possibly so that horses could be tied to them. Also, the remains of stone structures thought to be mangers were found in the buildings. It was suggested that each side could hold 15 horses, giving each building an overall capacity of 30 horses. The buildings on the northern side of the city were similar in their construction, but with no central courtyard. If the complex was indeed a stable, then the capacity of the northern buildings was about 300 horses altogether. Both complexes could hold from 450-480 horses combined.

The buildings were found during excavations between 1927 and 1934 at Megiddo. Head excavator, P.L.O. Guy, originally interpreted the buildings as stables and dated them to the time of King Solomon. Since then, his conclusions have been challenged by scholars such as James Pritchard, Ze'ev Herzog, and Yohanan Aharoni. Noting that no items associated with horses, chariots or cavalry were found at the location, they suggest that the buildings should be interpreted as either storehouses, marketplaces, or barracks. Yigael Yadin and J. S. Holladay argue against this conclusion but date the construction to the time of King Ahab of Israel rather than Solomon.

Ancient church

In 2005, Israeli archaeologist Yotam Tepper of Tel-Aviv University discovered the remains of a church, believed to be from the third or fourth century, a time when Christians were still persecuted by the Roman Empire.

Among the finds is a large mosaic with a Greek inscription stating that the church is consecrated to "the God Jesus Christ." The mosaic is very well preserved and features geometrical figures and images of fish, an early Christian symbol. It is speculated that this may be the oldest remains of a church in the Holy Land.[1]The remains were found within the grounds of a contemporary Israeli military prison.

An inscription in the Megiddo church speaks of a Roman officer, "Gaianus," who donated "his own money" to have a mosaic made. Some authorities question an early dating for this site on the grounds that a Roman officer would not risk his career or even his life to build a church.[2] On the other hand, persecution of Christians was sporadic in the Roman Empire during the early third century.

Megiddo in Christian prophecy

In the Book of Revelation, Megiddo is the site of a future cataclysmic battle seen by John of Patmos as the precursor to the descent of the New Jerusalem and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Known as Armageddon, this future encounter will supposedly pit the forces of good against the armies of evil. It is described as follows:

Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty… Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon (Rev. 16:14-16).

The significance, timing, and participants in the Battle of Armageddon have been the subject of considerable speculation and debate throughout Christian history through the present day.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Ekathimerini, Greek inscription in "oldest church." Retrieved October 29, 2008.
  2. ↑ New York Times, Israeli Prisoners Dig Their Way to Early Christianity. Retrieved November 24, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Beit-Arieh, Itzhaq, Liora Freud, and Moshe Fischer. Two Fortresses in the Biblical Negev. Institute of Archaeology, 2008. ISBN 9789652660220.
  • Cline, Eric H. The Battles of Armageddon: Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley from the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 2000. ISBN 9780472097395.
  • Davies, Graham I. Megiddo. Cambridge: Lutterworth Press, 1986. ISBN 9780802802477.
  • Finkelstein, Israel, David Ussishkin, and Baruch Halpern. Megiddo IV: The 1998-2002 Seasons. Tel Aviv: Emery and Claire Yass Publications in Archaeology, 2006. OCLC 74716900.
  • Harrison, Timothy, and Douglas L. Esse. Megiddo 3: Final Report of the Stratum Vi Excavations. Chicago, IL: Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, 2004. ISBN 9781885923318.

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