Ancient Canaanite Ritual Artifacts and 5,000-Year-Old Winepress Unearthed at Tel Megiddo Site
Ancient Canaanite ritual artifacts and a 5,000-year-old winepress have been discovered at Tel Megiddo in Israel, the site famously referenced in the Bible as Armageddon. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the excavation near Tel Megiddo on November 5th, which was conducted alongside the construction of Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley. The findings, dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Late Bronze Age, include a rock-carved winepress described as the oldest ever discovered in Israel, as well as evidence of an ancient Canaanite folk cult.
The excavation revealed a rock-carved winepress, which officials noted was the oldest ever found in the region. This discovery provides tangible proof of early wine production in the area, offering new insight into the agricultural practices of the Canaanites. The IAA highlighted that this site, often referred to as Armageddon in the Book of Revelation, is a significant archaeological location with a rich history of human activity. The artifacts found at the site, including a ceramic model of a shrine and ritual vessels, demonstrate the presence of a folk cult outside the city, possibly consisting of local farmers who could not enter the main temple.
Ritual objects such as the ceramic model of a shrine and animal-shaped vessels, placed in an orderly manner, suggest a structured form of religious practice. These artifacts, which may have been used for libations, provide further evidence of the spiritual beliefs of the ancient Canaanites. The burial locations of these objects indicate that they were part of a local cult that operated outside the urban centers, reflecting the social and religious diversity of the region. The IAA emphasized that the discovery of these artifacts helps to paint a broader picture of the daily life and spiritual practices of the people who inhabited the area over thousands of years.
These findings are part of a larger trend of archaeological discovery at Tel Megiddo, where recent excavations have uncovered evidence of a biblical battle. This includes remnants of an Egyptian army, suggesting the presence of Egyptian forces at the site following the collapse of the Assyrian Empire. Such discoveries not only enrich our understanding of ancient civilizations but also highlight the importance of continued archaeological research in uncovering the historical narratives of the region. The ongoing work at Tel Megiddo underscores the significance of the site as a hub of cultural and historical development in the ancient Near East.