Description : Tel Megiddo (Hebrew: מגידו; Arabic: مجیدو, Tell al-Mutesellim, lit. "Tell of the Governor"; Greek: Ἁρμαγεδών, Armageddon) is the site of the ancient city of Megiddo whose remains form a tell (archaeological mound), situated in northern Israel near Kibbutz Megiddo, about 30 km south-east of Haifa. 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 and during the Iron Age, a royal city in the Kingdom of Israel. 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 26 layers of ruins, indicating a long period of settlement. Some Christians believe that Armageddon will be the site of the final battle between Jesus Christ and the kings of the Earth who go to war against Israel, as outlined in the Book of Revelation. The site is now protected as Megiddo National Park and is a World Heritage Site.
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