Megiddo

On our way from Mount Carmel to Megiddo, we stopped the bus for a minute to see what a tomb with a stone that rolls in front of it looks like.

When we arrived at Megiddo, we saw a map of the area showing a trade route between Egypt and the East that runs right through Megiddo's valley.  I think this trade route was a significant influence on the importance of this area to the surrounding people groups.

This image shows the sacred space in Megiddo. 

 

Here Dan is showing us a model of Megiddo.

Megiddo is also situated upon a hill, so that was also an influence in the value of being in control of this area. 

A critical need was getting water into the walled city in case of a siege.  We were actually able to take a tour of this underground waterway later on.

I saw this flower as we walked toward Megiddo and thought it was so unusual.

A view of Megiddo

The steps leading up to Megiddo

This sign described the city gate complete with aerial view of the gate.  In Scripture, much business was conducted at the city gate and I always wondered how everyone fit at the gate.  I guess I was thinking of a little gate along a picket fence or a farm gate.  This picture shows that there were almost little rooms carved out of the stone to facilitate business meetings.  I guess these were the ancient version of board rooms!

Walking into Megiddo and going through the city gate.

Here is a closeup of one of those carved out spaces.

A view looking back from within the city toward the city gate.

In this image you can faintly see the stones forming and outer wall and then another row of stones forming an inner wall.  Those dwelling in the city used the space between the walls to store things.

The Northern Stables

The Northern Palace

The Sacred Area was used by each conquering group for religious rituals.

This image shows the granary in Megiddo.  You can see one set of stairs toward the right and another set of stairs on the left.  Dan told us that this granary was similar to the ones that Joseph would have built in Egypt in preparation for the famine.

Another view

Ancient pottery pieces

The Southern Stables

One of the troughs in the Southern Stables

The Southern Stables

I loved how they put these little iron horses where the stables would have been, so you could get a visual of what the area would have looked like.

This sign described the water system designed to bring in water from outside the walls to the inside of the city without anyone having to risk safety.

These were the original steps to the water system.

And the new steps. :) 

There were quite a few steps!

Here is my friend Amy in the waterway tunnel.

Views of the tunnel 

Ahab built the tunnel

The actual springs underground

Stairs leading out of the tunnel to outside of Megiddo.

A sign with more information about the springs.

Looking back toward the exit from outside.

After all that climbing, we were hungry.

These flowers were outside of a gas station where we stopped at first.

Then, we went on into the city for FALAFAL!!  I had heard how yummy this fun pocket sandwich was and I couldn't wait to try it for myself.  This picture shows someone making the sandwich, which includes salad, falafal (fried chickpeas) and french fries all in a pita.

Yummy!!  I added an olive and some of this yummy sauce that Dan recommended.

My Hebrew Coke Zero!

Lunchtime!!

One of the pastors with us ordered schwarma, which I think is similar to a gyro. 

The bakery next door.  It was so fun to watch the bread being freshly made.

The perfect finish to lunch -- a yummy chocolate pastry! :)

Next, on to Bet She'an!