Tel Megiddo
This article is about the ancient city. For other meanings, see Megiddo (disambiguation).
Megiddo (Hebrew מגידו / מְגִדֹּו məgiddô), also Tell el-Mutesellim (Arabic تل المتسلم, DMG Tall al-Mutasallim; Ancient Egyptian Meketi; Assyrian magidū), was a city in the Jezreel Plain in northern Israel in ancient times. It was located at the junction of the ancient Via Maris trade route from Egypt to Syria and the Akko-Sichem-Jerusalem route, at the exit of the Narrow Pass (Arunah Pass, Wadi Ara) over the Carmel Mountains.
A tell developed through repeated construction. To distinguish it from nearby Kibbutz Megiddo, the archaeological site is often referred to as Tel Megiddo. The tell is a national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Biblical Settlement Hills - Megiddo, Hazor and Be'er Sheva.
Aerial view of Tell Megiddo
Model of Tell Megiddo showing settlement layers, in the foreground King Ahab's horse stables (left) and gate complex (right)
Location
Tell Megiddo is located in the northern district of Israel at the Megiddo Junction of Highway 65 and Expressway 66 near Kibbutz Megiddo 12 km southwest of the city of Afula.
Meaning
Megiddo is considered the most important archaeological site of the biblical period in Israel and one of the most important research sites in the Middle East. Since July 2005, Megiddo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Hazor and Be'er Sheva.
The military significance of the place and its role as a military battlefield are reflected in the Apocalypse of John in the New Testament. Armageddon, derived from "Har Megiddo" (the mountain of Megiddo), appears there as the place of the biblical final battle between good and evil (Rev 16,16 EU).
Questions and Answers
Q: Where is Megiddo located?
A: Megiddo is located in Israel.
Q: What is Megiddo known for?
A: Megiddo is known for theological, historical, and geographical reasons.
Q: What was Megiddo in ancient times?
A: In ancient times, Megiddo was an important city-state.
Q: What are some alternative names for Megiddo?
A: Some alternative names for Megiddo are Tel Megiddo (Hebrew) and Tell al-Mutesellim (Arabic).
Q: What is the significance of Megiddo in the Christian Bible?
A: According to some interpretations of the Christian Bible, Megiddo will be the place for Armageddon or the final battle between the forces of light led by Jesus Christ and the forces of darkness led by Satan or the Anti-Christ after the "End of Days".
Q: What is Megiddo made of?
A: Megiddo is a tel (hill or mound) made of 26 layers of the ruins of ancient cities.
Q: Where is Megiddo located in relation to the Valley of Jezreel?
A: Megiddo is located at the head of a pass through the Carmel Ridge, which overlooks the Valley of Jezreel from the west.
