We survived Armageddon - so I hope this water doesn’t kill me!

Megiddo was the spot of several important battles over the years.  Why?  Location, location, location.  It is just north of Caesarea and thus also on the main road connecting Egypt to Babylon.  Being on this major trade route + being near the Great Mediterranean + being upon a hill = very desirable location.

In fact, Megiddo changed hands 25 times over the centuries.  And each civilization built atop the ruins of the one before it.  For instance, King Ahab built his city here - including stables to house approx 450 horses above the palaces of the former Canaanite villages.

How could they confirm there were 25 different groups who occupied this area?  Style.
Each civilization had a different style of pottery - some painted exclusively with certain colors, others’ signature pottery was thicker or thinner in density.  And since they built one atop the other, the pottery remains served as an invaluable civilization identification.

We saw a staircase that was built by King Solomon in the 9th century - which makes it over 3,000 years old!  There was an area under restoration which depicted the guard chambers as described at Eze 40:10 - there were 3 on each side until the archaeologists mistakenly destroyed one section in an attempt to uncover the civilization below (oops!)

Not far from Megiddo, down in the valley, is the spring of Gideon where the final 300 warriors passed the water test.  These were deemed worthy to fight the Midianites in a war that began a few miles away but likely covered some 50 miles of pursuit and fighting.  Another interesting fact about this spring is that the water is still crystal clear and known to be better than bottled water to drink.

Tel-Megiddo - during the time of King Ahab

Some of the high places used in false worship (they are not so high anymore)

Follow me down the 185 steps to the hidden water source

Spring of Gideon - water fresh enough to drink - and some did!