The site overlooks the Jezreel Valley and is strategic because it controlled the main trade route between Egypt and Mesopotamia.
26 layers of occupation were found here, each one built on top of the ruins of the previous city
Megiddo was the site of many battles through the ages, fought by Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, Mamlukes, Mongols, Persians, Ottomans, British, Arabs, and Israelis. For somewhat obvious reasons, it is also known as the “Hill of Battles.”
Political/Cultural Significance
Since Megiddo was strategically located along the main trade route, many sought control of the city. Thutmose III of Egypt (15th century BC) once said that “capturing Megiddo is as good as capturing 1000 cities.”
King Ahab built a massive underground water system to ensure the city would always have an adequate water supply (9th century BC)
Biblical Significance
Joshua 12:7, 21 During the Period of Conquest, the king of Megiddo was one of 31 kings defeated by Joshua during Israel’s conquest of Canaan
Judges 1:27 God allotted the city of Megiddo to the tribe of Manasseh, but they failed to drive the Canaanites out
2 Kings 23:29King Josiah died in battle here at the hands of the Egyptians (7th century BC)
Revelation 16:13-16In John’s vision in Revelation, the last great gathering of armies just before Christ’s return to earth will take place at Armageddon. In Hebrew, Har Megiddo means “The Hill of Megiddo”
