Tel Megiddo

About

The mount of Megiddo was inhabited from around 7000 BC to 586 BC, serving as an important Canaanite city-state, and a royal city in the Kingdom of Israel. However, it’s best known (though people might not realize it) for its appearance in the Book of Revelation by its Greek name of Armageddon - the site of the apocalyptic battle. Today, excavations have unearthed 26 distinct layers of ruins dating back to around 4500 BC which include the remains of a 15th century BC Canaanite city gate and palace, an Assyrian residential neighborhood, and the jewel of the city: an intricate 9th century BC water system that would bring water into the fortified city walls and a covered tunnel leading to the spring. Save this for last though - the 183-stair descent deposits you on a road outside the site. At the entrance, there’s a small museum and a short movie that gives some background on Meggido’s history.