Ancient Canaanite ritual artifacts and a 5,000-year-old winepress have been discovered at Tel Megiddo, the biblical site known as Armageddon. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently announced this find near the site, located in Israel, which dates back to the Early Bronze Age and Late Bronze Age. The discovery is significant as it provides new insights into ancient religious practices and early wine production. The excavations were conducted alongside the construction of Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley, revealing artifacts ranging from 3000 B.C. to 1270 B.C. The most notable find is a unique rock-carved winepress, described as the oldest ever discovered in Israel. This winepress offers conclusive evidence of early wine production and highlights the cultural and religious activities of the Canaanites. Other findings include a ceramic model of a shrine and animal-shaped ritual vessels, suggesting the existence of a local Canaanite folk cult outside the main city. These discoveries shed light on the religious and daily life practices of the region’s residents over thousands of years. The IAA noted that the uncovering of ancient wine-making facilities and evidence of folk worship outside of Megiddo allows a deeper understanding of the daily life and beliefs of the area’s inhabitants. This is not the only recent discovery at Tel Megiddo, as archaeologists also found evidence of a biblical battle, suggesting the presence of an Egyptian army at the site, indicating the historical significance of the area.
The findings at Tel Megiddo continue to emphasize the site’s importance as a major historical and cultural hub. The discoveries by the IAA, including the 5,000-year-old winepress and the Canaanite folk cult evidence, provide invaluable insights into the history of the region. The IAA director, Eli Escusido, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that they reveal the wealth of history embedded in the soil of Megiddo. The ongoing excavations not only contribute to our understanding of ancient civilizations but also highlight the importance of such sites in preserving and interpreting the past. The continued research at Tel Megiddo is expected to yield more valuable information, further enriching our knowledge of the ancient world.