Megiddo was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a narrow pass and an ancient trade route which connected the lands of Egypt and Assyria.
The site was founded circa, 6000 BC at the strategic location along an ancient Middle Eastern trading route. Megiddo was a town belonging to Manasseh, although within the boundaries of Issachar.
Megiddo was rebuilt and fortified by Solomon. The city did not become firmly occupied by the Israelites until the time of Solomon, who placed one of his twelve deputies over Taanach and Megiddo.
Megiddo is mentioned in Ancient Egyptian writings because one of Egypt’s mighty kings, Thutmose III, waged war upon the city in 1478 BC. Egyptians pharaoh faced a rebellion by a Canaanite league that included the king of Megiddo.
During eleventh century BC, Israelite forces under Deborah and Barak defeated the Canaanite forces of King Jabin. In 609 BC King Josiah of Judah was defeated and killed at Megiddo by the Egyptian Pharaoh Necho.
City of Megiddo
