Ancient Canaanite ritual artifacts and a 5,000-year-old winepress have been discovered at Tel Megiddo in Israel, the biblical site known as Armageddon from the Book of Revelation. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the find near Tel Megiddo on November 5, revealing that the excavation was conducted alongside the construction of Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley.
The site is famously referenced in the Book of Revelation, with ‘Armageddon’ being closely tied to the Hebrew term ‘Har Megiddo,’ meaning ‘mountain of Megiddo.’ The excavation uncovered a range of items spanning from the Early Bronze Age (around 3000 B.C.) to the Late Bronze Age (about 1270 B.C.). Notably, the rock-carved winepress is described as the oldest ever found in Israel, providing conclusive evidence of early winemaking in the region.
Alongside the winepress, archaeologists found remnants of a Canaanite folk cult dating back approximately 3,300 years. This included a ceramic model of a shrine and animal-shaped ritual vessels, which were placed in an orderly manner as ritual offerings. These items suggest a religious practice occurring outside the main temple, possibly involving local farmers who could not enter the sacred complex.
Historians believe some of these offerings were used for libations, such as pouring liquids like milk, oil, or wine into a funnel during ceremonies. The burial locations and the presence of items like storage jars and imported jugs from Cyprus highlight the cultural significance and continuity of these rituals over time.
In addition to this discovery, the site has seen other recent findings, including evidence of a biblical battle. Earlier this year, archaeologists announced the discovery of pottery suggesting the presence of an Egyptian army, particularly soldiers that defeated King Josiah, providing insight into the region’s historical conflicts and settlements.