Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at Tel Megiddo, the site famously referenced as Armageddon in the Book of Revelation. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently announced the unearthing of ancient Canaanite ritual artifacts, including a 5,000-year-old winepress, during an excavation near the construction of Highway 66 in Israel’s Jezreel Valley. These findings, dating back to the Early Bronze Age (approximately 3000 B.C.) and the Late Bronze Age (around 1270 B.C.), offer a rare glimpse into the early development of wine production and the cultural practices of the Canaanites.
The winepress, described as the oldest ever discovered in Israel, represents a significant milestone in the study of early viticulture. According to the IAA, the artifact provides conclusive evidence that wine production was occurring in the region thousands of years ago. The excavation also uncovered intriguing remnants of a Canaanite folk cult, including a ceramic model of a shrine and ritual vessels that were carefully placed in the ground as offerings. These findings suggest the existence of a ritualistic practice tied to the production of valuable liquids such as wine, oil, and milk.
Further analysis of the site indicates that the offering rituals may have been carried out by local farmers who were unable to enter the main temple of the city. The burial locations of the offerings suggest a connection to an open-air altar near a large rock outcrop, which may have served as an important religious or ceremonial site for the Canaanite community. The IAA emphasized that these discoveries contribute to a broader understanding of the daily life and spiritual beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of the region.
Excavations continue to reveal new layers of history beneath the surface of Tel Megiddo, with each find offering further insight into the rich and complex cultural heritage of the area. The recent discoveries, particularly the winepress and ritual artifacts, have been hailed as significant contributions to the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations. As the excavation progresses, archaeologists hope to uncover more details about the evolution of urban life, religious practices, and economic activities in the region.