Tel Megiddo
Tel Megiddo (Hebrew: תל מגידו; Arabic: مجیدو, Tell el-Mutesellim, lit. "Mound of the Governor"; Greek: Μεγιδδώ, Megiddo) is the site of the ancient city of Megiddo, the remains of which form a tell (archaeological mound), situated in northern Israel near Kibbutz Megiddo, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) south-east of Haifa, at the western edge of Jezreel Valley. Megiddo is known for its historical, geographical, and theological importance, especially under its Greek name Armageddon. During the Bronze Age, Megiddo was an important Canaanite city-state. During the Iron Age, it was a royal city in the Kingdom of Israel.
מגידו | |
An aerial view of Tel Megiddo | |
Shown within Jezreel Valley region of Israel Tel Megiddo (Israel) Tel Megiddo (West and Central Asia) | |
| Alternative name | Tell el-Mutesellim |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Kibbutz Megiddo, Israel |
| Region | Levant |
| Coordinates | 32°35′07″N 35°11′04″E |
| Type | Settlement |
| Part of | Kingdom of Israel, Canaan |
| History | |
| Abandoned | 350 BCE |
| Official name | Biblical Tells – Megiddo, Hazor, Beer Sheba |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii, iv, vi |
| Designated | 2005 (29th session) |
| Reference no. | 1108 |
| Region | Asia-Pacific |
Megiddo drew much of its importance from its strategic location at the northern end of the Wadi Ara defile, which acts as a pass through the Carmel Ridge, and from its position overlooking the rich Jezreel Valley from the west.
Excavations have unearthed 20 strata of ruins since the Neolithic phase, indicating a long period of settlement. The site is protected as Megiddo National Park and is a World Heritage Site.