WhatsappTel Megiddo – hidden history. This location in northern Israel has existed for 5,000 years and has a wealth of secrets. Read more for the fascinating story!
What is Tel Megiddo?
This location is a “tel”. That means that while at some points in history, the city was attacked and destroyed, it was furthermore paved over. Archaeologists found a whopping 26 layers! So Tel Megiddo has been built and destroyed 26 times. There are many layers of evidence. As such, it is a large man-made hill.
History of Tel Megiddo
The city prospered throughout the Bronze age. Inhabitants built the first wall in the early Bronze age. They built a palace in the late Bronze age. Attackers destroyed the city around 1150 BCE, yet inhabitants abandoned it around 586 BCE. So, the ruins there have not been disturbed for thousands of years. Tel Megiddo is known for its historical, geographical, and theological importance. It is even considered a World Heritage Site. King Solomon ruled this city in the 10th century BCE. Visitors can see many remains, and especially relevant is Solomon’s Gate. In addition, they can also view what some consider to be the remains of Solomon’s stables.
Tel Megiddo Battles
There have been famous battles there. In 609 BCE, the Egyptian pharaoh Necho II fought the Kingdom of Judah, in which King Josiah fell. Furthermore, in 1918 during World War I, there was a battle there between the Ottoman army and Allied troops led by General Edmund Allenby.
Tel Megiddo – strategic importance
Due to its location, the city was very important. Whoever ruled it had considerable power. Why is this? Well, it ruled one of the few passes to the Carmel Mountains to the west. Therefore, they ruled over access to the main route between Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Today, many tourists visit this location. They learn about thousands of years of history. Most of all, people see how mankind survived.
