Ancient Canaanite ritual artifacts and a 5,000-year-old winepress have been uncovered at Tel Megiddo, the site known in the Bible as Armageddon, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The discovery, made during the construction of Highway 66 in the Jezreel Valley, includes items dating back to the Early Bronze Age and Late Bronze Age, with the winepress itself being the oldest identified in Israel.
The excavation, announced by the IAA on November 5, revealed a range of findings, from simple pottery to complex structures. Among the most significant was the rock-carved winepress, which provides direct evidence that wine production began in the region as early as 5,000 years ago. This offers new insight into the early development of urbanization in the area and the cultural practices of the people who lived there at that time.
Alongside the winepress, archaeologists also found remnants of a Canaanite folk cult dating back 3,300 years, including a ceramic model of a shrine, storage jars, and imported jugs from Cyprus. These vessels were buried in an orderly fashion, suggesting they were part of ritual offerings. Researchers believe this indicates a religious practice that extended beyond the main temple, with local farmers possibly participating in these ceremonies.
The IAA noted that the burial locations and the types of offerings found suggest that a folk cult existed outside the city, possibly used by those unable to access the central religious sites. This discovery helps paint a more complete picture of the spiritual and cultural life of the region’s inhabitants, highlighting the continuity of certain practices over thousands of years.
Earlier this year, archaeologists at Tel Megiddo announced the discovery of evidence linked to a biblical battle, suggesting that the site has a long history of significant archaeological and historical importance. These recent findings add to that legacy, underscoring the area’s rich and complex past.
The IAA’s director, Eli Escusido, expressed enthusiasm for the discoveries, emphasizing the importance of such finds in understanding the history and daily life of ancient people in the region. The ongoing work at Tel Megiddo continues to reveal new layers of the site’s past, offering valuable insights into the history of the area and the people who once lived there.