Archaeologists find links to ancient Biblical battle at Megiddo in northern Israel. Here’s what happened

Archaeologists have found pottery fragments at the ancient city of Megiddo in northern Israel. These artifacts may provide evidence of the biblical Battle of Megiddo, where King Josiah of Judah was defeated by Pharaoh Necho II in 609 B.C. The discovery suggests the presence of Egyptian troops at the site.

Discovery of Pottery Fragments

During excavations at Megiddo, researchers uncovered broken pottery. These artifacts, mainly Egyptian vessels, date back to the late 7th century B.C. The site has over 30 layers of past settlements, spanning from the Copper Age to modern times.

Historical Significance of Megiddo

Megiddo is mentioned in the Old Testament. It is the location where Josiah fought Pharaoh Necho II. The battle is recorded in the Second Book of Kings. Megiddo is also referenced in the Book of Revelation, where it is called Armageddon, meaning "mountain of Megiddo."

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Evidence of Egyptian Troops

Dr. Assaf Kleiman, a senior lecturer at Ben-Gurion University, believes the pottery fragments belonged to Egyptian troops. The artifacts were not imported but left by Egyptian soldiers who fought at Megiddo.

Analysis of the Artifacts

Researchers found a large quantity of Egyptian-made vessels. These included serving bowls, cooking pots and storage jars. The production method and mixture of materials suggest the pottery was made for practical use by soldiers. There is no similar evidence in nearby settlements, supporting the idea that these artifacts came with an army.

Possible Greek Mercenaries

Some fragments resemble Greek pottery. Kleiman suggests Greek mercenaries may have served in the Egyptian army. Greek and Assyrian sources mention Greek soldiers fighting for Egypt during the 26th Dynasty.

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Short-lived Egyptian Presence

Kleiman noted that the Egyptian settlement at Megiddo did not last long. The building where the artifacts were found was abandoned a few decades later. The broken vessels were likely discarded by departing troops.

Historical Context of the Battle

There is no non-biblical proof of King Josiah, but historians do not doubt his existence. The Babylonian chronicles document Necho's battles in the region. These accounts match biblical descriptions in the books of Jeremiah and Kings.

FAQs

What did archaeologists find at Megiddo?
They discovered Egyptian pottery fragments from the late 7th century B.C. These artifacts suggest Egyptian troops were present during the biblical Battle of Megiddo.

Why is Megiddo historically important?
Megiddo is mentioned in the Bible as the site of King Josiah’s battle. It is also referred to as Armageddon in the Book of Revelation.