Megiddo/Armageddon
One of the oldest cities in the whole world, Megiddo was built like a great fortress on top of a mountain. Two important roads passed by the city in ancient times, one leading from the Mediterranean Sea to the fertile plains and another leading from Egypt to Persia. Over the centuries, those that controlled Megiddo, controlled the crossroads of the Middle East.
Megiddo was captured by Joshua and given to the tribe of Menasseh. The inhabitants of the city were too strong to drive out, but they were made to pay taxes to Israel (Joshua 12:21). Megiddo is associated with the deaths of two kings. Ahaziah, the King of Judah, was assassinated by Jehu, the future king of Israel and died in Megiddo. (2 Kings 9:27). The Egyptian king Necho was passing through Israel to wage a battle against the Assyrians. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo. (2 Kings 23:29).
A garrison of Roman soldiers last inhabited Megiddo, but it was later abandoned, never to be inhabited again.
Throughout its history, Megiddo was built and rebuilt, twenty-five times. War after war, battle after battle was fought there. In the last century, the French Emperor Napoleon fought a battle there. In the twentieth century, in 1918, the British fought the Turks at Megiddo. The British won the war and took the land of Israel away from the Turkish Empire, ending their 400-year rule.
The ruins of ancient Megiddo can still be seen today. There are the remains of the ancient massive city gate, royal stables, homes, and an impressive underground water system. Archeologists have found the remains of more than 25 cities lying one beneath the other. On the top of the mountain one can see a circular stone structure that presumably was once used for idol worship.
According to the Bible, Armageddon is the battle where God finally comes in and takes over the world, with Christ returning to rule. After Armageddon will come 1000 years of peace and plenty. The area is called Armageddon because it is located in a place called the valley of Megiddo -- Armageddon means mount of Megiddo in Hebrew.
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