MEGIDDO

As it commanded the Via Maris it was a strategic site from the time that man first lusted for power and conquest.

Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of 20 cities at Megiddo. They include buildings from shortly after the time when King David conquered the hill and fortifications constructed by his son, Solomon (I Kings 9:15). The oldest discoveries date back some 4,000 years and form a Canaanite Temple, complete with a limestone altar. While here you must see the 9th-century BCE shaft and tunnel built by the Israelite King Ahab. The 60 m. shaft linked up with a 120 m.-long tunnel to the source of water lying just outside the fortifications. This ingenious engineering feat enabled those inside to withstand protracted sieges. Notice how the tunnel bulges irregularly in one section. This is the result of two teams of workmen digging through the rock and limestone from opposite ends and meeting up only after hacking in wrong directions. Steps and lights have been installed in the tunnel for visitors.

The New Testament holds that this is the place where the last battle of the world will be fought (Revelation 16:16) Armageddon is a corruption of Har Megiddo (``the hill of Megiddo'' in Hebrew). Note: This National Parks site has a museum and a restaurant and it is advisable, for better understanding, to see the scale model of the site in the museum prior to walking around the ruins. Museum: Sat. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Site: April-Sept. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. - March 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closes one hour earlier Fri. and eve of holidays.

Water Tunnel: 8 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. During winter the tunnel may be closed to visitors. Entrance fee.