Megiddo (Armageddon) (D)

The Late Bronze period ( 1550-115 BC) is marked by Egyptian rule of Canaan. At that time Megiddo was one of the country's major city-states and it's king a loyal vassal of the Egyptian pharaoh.  The city-gate and the elaborate palace are the best known remains of this period. Megiddo was a large city and guarded a strategic pass through Mount Carmel to protect the trade route connecting Egypt and Assyria.
Megiddo is mentioned in the scriptures: Joshua 12:21, Judges 1:27 &5:19, 1 Kings 9:15, 2 Kings 9:27 & 23:29-30 and Revelation 16:13-16

stairs excavated

Yehuda telling us about the gate.

Megiddo became a Israelite city sometimes between the 10th and 9th centuries BC and functioned as an administrative center for the fertile Jezreel Valley. Sometime later a massive wall and a monumental city gate were built.  They think the gate dates to the reign of Solomon 10th century.

The Megiddo area is the location of seven historical battles. In Greek Megiddo is Armageddon . The last great battle just before Christ returns to earth will start in the valley of Megiddo, Armageddon. Revelation 16:13-16  

A cross-section of Megiddo's water system. We were able to climb down the stairs and through the tunnel.

This is the modern walkway that  made it possible for us to see how the rock was carved out to make the tunnel.  It must have been difficult without any of our modern equipment! Their water system includes a 82 ft shaft and a 230 ft tunnel.