Ancient Canaanite ritual artifacts and a 5,000-year-old winepress have been discovered at Tel Megiddo in Israel, the site known as Armageddon from the Book of Revelation. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the findings near Tel Megiddo on November 5, during a construction project for Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley. These archaeological discoveries include artifacts dating from the Early Bronze Age, around 3000 B.C., to the Late Bronze Age, about 1270 B.C.
The standout find is the rock-carved winepress, described by officials as the oldest ever discovered in Israel. This artifact provides concrete evidence of wine production dating back 5,000 years, which was previously only inferred through indirect means. Eli Escusido, the IAA director, emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating that these findings reveal the rich history embedded in the soil of the region.
In addition to the winepress, archaeologists uncovered evidence of a Canaanite folk cult dating back approximately 3,300 years. This includes a ceramic model of a shrine, animal-shaped ritual vessels, and other offerings that were placed in an orderly fashion in the ground. These items suggest the existence of a local cult outside the main city, likely composed of farmers who could not access the central temple. The burial spots indicate that these individuals participated in rituals involving the pouring of valuable liquids such as milk, oil, or wine into a funnel during ceremonies.
The IAA stated that the findings represent a new layer of the settlement’s matrix, showing the continuity of ancient rituals and practices over thousands of years. The site’s historical significance is further underscored by previous discoveries, including evidence of a biblical battle linked to the region. Assaf Kleiman, an archaeologist involved in the project, noted the presence of Egyptian military artifacts, indicating that the site may have been occupied by Egyptian soldiers following the collapse of the Assyrian Empire in the late 7th century.
The ongoing excavations at Tel Megiddo continue to shed light on the daily life and beliefs of the region’s ancient inhabitants. As the IAA continues its work, these findings not only enhance our understanding of the past but also underscore the importance of preserving and studying such sites for their cultural and historical value.