Megiddo

An important city state ever since ancient times, Megiddo or Tel Megiddo is a destination of historical, geographical and theological value. Even though its name was translated into Hebrew, Arabic, Septuagint, Latin, Assyrian, Egyptian, the translation from Greek as Armageddon was one that remained into history because it makes reference to a mountain mentioned in the New Testament. The prints of the past are evident; one of the most famous findings dates from the time of Solomon and is known as The Megiddo Stables.
Megiddo was also the main site in 1964 during Pope Paul the 7th’s first visit in the Holy Land.

Megiddo is a hill in modern Israel in the proximity of the Kibbutz of Megiddo, which lies less than one kilometer away to its South. Megiddo is made of 26 layers, mainly ruins of ancient cities built at the head of a pass through the Carmel Ridge, overlooking the Valley of Jezreel from the West and Mount Tabor. Strategically located at crossword of several major routes in the past, Megiddo was a major mountain pass connecting Jezreel Valley to Israel’s coastal plain. Nowadays it still is an important junction connecting Central Israel with lower Galilee and the Northern region.

Because of its strategic position, Megiddo was the site of several major battles. Three of the most important ones were the battle in 150 BC when the Egyptians fought the Canaanite coalition rulers of Megiddo and Kodesh. Evidence of this battle lies detailed in hieroglyphics in the Egyptian pharaoh’s Thutmose third temple. The second major battle was between the Egyptians and the Kingdom of Judah, with the outcome in Josiah’s fall. The third important Battle of Megiddo was in 1918, during World War I when the Allied troops fought the Ottoman army.

Besides the Megiddo Stables, archeologists discovered here eight levels of habitation. Circular shaped ruins believed to be an altar and remains of a church from the 3rd century when Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire are probably the most renown findings. The ancient church which was hidden under a prison, contained a mosaic with geometrical figures and the inscription “The God Jesus Christ” is speculated to be the oldest in the Holy Land.

A trip to Megiddo is a journey in the past, a search of religion and meaning. The ancient site of battle, known as Armageddon had hidden religious evidence underlying the sanctity of this destination. Megiddo is a place to be studied, to be photographed for its uniqueness and is a place where you can find your peace or learn more about the Holy Land. Give your own interpretation to a site of undeniable importance over time and discover the hidden meaning that Israel’s Megiddo has in store for you.