Recently, archaeologists working on the construction of Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley near Tel Megiddo have uncovered an array of ancient ritual artifacts and a remarkable 5,000-year-old winepress. These findings, attributed to the Canaanites, an ancient people referenced in the Old Testament, span a timeframe from the Early Bronze Age, approximately 3000 B.C., to the Late Bronze Age, around 1270 B.C.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery on November 5, describing the wine press as the oldest ever found in Israel. This artifact, meticulously carved out of stone, offers the first conclusive evidence of early wine production in the region, confirming long-held suspicions based on indirect historical data. The IAA emphasized that the wine press is a unique find, part of a broader set of discoveries that illuminate the daily life and beliefs of the area’s inhabitants over thousands of years.
Among the artifacts, researchers also identified remnants of a Canaanite folk cult, including a ceramic model of a shrine and various animal-shaped ritual vessels. These items were placed in an orderly fashion, suggesting they were used as ritual offerings. According to the IAA, these objects provide evidence of a religious practice that extended beyond the main temple, with local farmers possibly participating in ceremonies outside the city center. The burial locations suggest that these offerings were placed next to a large rock outcrop, which may have functioned as an open-air altar for worship.
Additionally, the findings reveal a continuous cultural and religious tradition, with evidence of libations and other ceremonies practiced by the Canaanites. One of the most intriguing discoveries is the presence of a unique set of vessels used for pouring liquids such as wine, oil, or milk during rituals. These items, along with imported ceramics from Cyprus, indicate a complex network of trade and cultural exchange during the period.
Professor Eli Escusido of the IAA remarked on the significance of these findings, noting that they demonstrate the region’s rich and layered history. These discoveries not only provide insights into the religious practices of the Canaanites but also shed light on the broader sociocultural dynamics of the area over the millennia. The unearthing of these artifacts underscores the importance of archaeological research in understanding the past and its relevance to contemporary cultural narratives.
The site has seen other significant discoveries in recent years, including evidence of a biblical battle that once took place there. This includes pottery suggesting the presence of an Egyptian army, particularly the soldiers that defeated King Josiah. These findings continue to reinforce the historical importance of Tel Megiddo as a center of ancient activity and cultural exchange, highlighting the site’s enduring significance in both archaeological and biblical contexts.