Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Canaanite Rituals and 5,000-Year-Old Winepress at Armageddon Site
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has announced the discovery of significant ancient artifacts, including a 5,000-year-old winepress and ritual objects from a Canaanite cult, at Tel Megiddo, the site famously referenced in the Book of Revelation as Armageddon. The excavation, conducted near Tel Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley, was part of the construction of Highway 66 in Israel.
The finds, dating back from the Early Bronze Age around 3000 B.C. to the Late Bronze Age approximately 1270 B.C., provide valuable insights into the region’s ancient history. Among the highlights is the rock-carved winepress, which officials have described as the oldest ever discovered in Israel. This discovery offers new and conclusive evidence that early wine production took place in the area, challenging previous assumptions about the development of viticulture in the region.
Archaeologists also uncovered significant ritual artifacts from a Canaanite folk cult dating back 3,300 years. These included a ceramic model of a shrine and animal-shaped ritual vessels, which were ‘carefully placed in the ground in an orderly burial as ritual offerings.’ The IAA noted that these offerings, such as miniature ceramic models of shrines, storage jars, and imported jugs from Cyprus, were likely used in libations—ceremonial pouring of liquids during religious rites.
The burial locations suggest the presence of a local folk cult that operated outside the city, possibly composed of farmers who could not access the main temples. The findings indicate a continuity of rituals and libations, reflecting the local Canaanite religious practices. Officials emphasized that the discovery ‘allows us to become acquainted with the daily life and beliefs of the region’s residents over the course of thousands of years.’
Further, the excavation also revealed evidence of a biblical battle at the site, as earlier this year, archaeologists announced the discovery of Egyptian vessels, indicating possible Egyptian military presence at Megiddo following the collapse of the Assyrian Empire. These findings add another layer to the historical significance of the site, highlighting its role in ancient regional events and cultural exchanges.
Director Eli Escusido of the IAA stated that the ongoing excavation is ‘revealing, layer by layer, the wealth of history hidden and embedded in the soil here.’ The combination of these findings, including the winepress and ritual artifacts, continues to deepen the understanding of the ancient Canaanite culture and its practices at Tel Megiddo, the biblical Armageddon site.