Archaeologists have uncovered significant artifacts, including a 5,000-year-old winepress and ritual items from the Canaanites, at Tel Megiddo in Israel, a site famously referenced as Armageddon in the Book of Revelation. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the find near Tel Megiddo on November 5, as part of an excavation conducted alongside the construction of Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley.
The site, known for its biblical significance, has yielded findings spanning from the Early Bronze Age, around 3000 B.C., to the Late Bronze Age, approximately 1270 B.C. The most remarkable artifact is a rock-carved winepress, described as the oldest ever discovered in Israel. This discovery provides concrete evidence of early wine production, supporting historical assumptions about the region’s agricultural practices.
Alongside the winepress, archaeologists found intriguing evidence of a Canaanite folk cult dating back 3,300 years. This includes a ceramic model of a shrine, animal-shaped ritual vessels, and storage jars imported from Cyprus. These items were carefully placed in the ground as ritual offerings, suggesting a religious practice that predates the construction of formal temples. The findings indicate that these rituals were likely performed by local farmers and other individuals who could not access the main temple, highlighting the role of such communities in preserving religious traditions.
The IAA emphasizes that these discoveries provide a unique glimpse into the daily lives and beliefs of the region’s inhabitants over thousands of years. Eli Escusido, the IAA director, noted that the excavation continues to reveal the wealth of history embedded in the soil, shedding light on the cultural and religious aspects of the ancient Canaanites.
Further, the site has been the focus of other recent discoveries, including evidence of a biblical battle linked to the ancient Egyptian presence. Pottery fragments suggest the involvement of an Egyptian army, particularly those that defeated King Josiah, underscoring the site’s historical complexity and its role as a focal point for various civilizations over millennia.
These findings not only enrich our understanding of ancient history but also highlight the significance of Tel Megiddo as a cultural and historical crossroads. The ongoing excavations continue to uncover layers of the past, contributing to the broader narrative of the region’s ancient civilizations.