Archaeologists working near Tel Megiddo in Israel’s Jezreel Valley have pulled back the veil on a slice of ancient life that echoes through Scripture. During roadwork on Highway 66, they dug up a 5,000-year-old winepress carved into rock—the oldest ever found in the country—alongside ritual items tied to Canaanites from 3,300 years ago.
The winepress stands as solid proof of early wine-making in a time when cities were just taking root. “This wine press is unique, one of very few known from such an ancient period when urbanization first took place in our region. Until now, indirect evidence indicated that wine could have been produced 5,000 years ago, but we did not have conclusive proof of this. … [T]his wine press finally provides new and clear evidence that early wine production actually took place here,” stated officials from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Among the cult artifacts, the team found a small ceramic shrine model, storage jars, jugs imported from Cyprus, and vessels for pouring offerings like milk, oil, or wine.
“These included a miniature ceramic model of a shrine, storage jars, imported jugs and juglets [from Cyprus], and a unique and impressive set of vessels, which was probably used for libations, or the ceremonial pouring of liquids,” the authority’s release explained.
These items lay buried in neat order beside a large rock formation, likely an outdoor altar beyond the city’s edge. “Some of these offerings were discovered as intact pottery vessels buried next to a large rock outcrop, which may have served as an open-air altar outside the Canaanite city of Megiddo,” the statement added.
The site, known in Hebrew as Har Megiddo, carries the weight of prophecy as the Armageddon of Revelation, where nations gather for the final clash. These finds paint a picture of persistent worship practices among local farmers, separate from grand temples, stretching across millennia.
“The 5,000-year-old hewn wine press places the beginnings of the local wine industry in a very early urban-settlement context, while the offerings from the period about 3,300 years ago indicate the continuity of ritual consecration [and libations] outside the sacred complex within the tell, possibly expressing aspects of the local Canaanite folk cult,” the authority noted.
Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, put it plainly: “The exposure of ancient wine-making facilities, and the evidence of folk worship outside of Megiddo, allow us to become acquainted with the daily life and beliefs of the region’s residents over the course of thousands of years.”
Other digs at Megiddo have turned up signs of Egyptian troops clashing with biblical forces around the time of King Josiah, with pottery shards suggesting a military outpost after Assyria’s fall. Such layers remind us that this ground has seen spiritual and earthly battles for ages, perhaps foreshadowing what’s ahead in the divine plan.
Reports from various outlets confirm the excitement around these revelations, with some noting a unique ram-shaped vessel among the libation set, adding to the intrigue of Canaanite rites. In a world quick to dismiss old truths, these artifacts stand as tangible links to the peoples and practices described in the Bible, urging a deeper look at history’s warnings.
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Archeology continues to prove the Bible as true history.
I think the 5,000 year guess is way off…
That would put the ruins before the Flood. The Flood occurred, by Biblical records, 4,5000 years ago.
It’s impossible for the ruins to be found, if of pre-Flood era.
The severe gushing of the waters from above and below would have completely obliterated the ruins and would have left it covered with copious amounts of mud and debris.
It would be far more accurate to note the first use of the word “Canaanite” in the Scriptures.
That help to more accurately estimate the time era of the ruins.
Of course there is the possibility that the writer didn’t want to give a head nod to the authoritative accuracy of the Scriptural record of history.
Excellent analysis.
I should have put more thought into my response…
Here’s why;
The earliest mention of the Canaanite in the Scriptures describe them as giants. There were giants in the land as witnessed by the report from the 12 spies sent by Moses, as the tribes of Israel made it’s way to the promised land.
The Canaanites were composed of The Nephilim, who are are first mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4, the Anakites, the Rephaites, the Zuzims, the Emims, the Horites and the Amorites… This isn’t a complete list of the giant’s tribes that were in the land of Canaan as recorded in the Scriptures.
I only mentioned the various tribes of Canaan to point out that the above referenced ruins has to be even later, like after King David’s time.
Why? The answer becomes very obvious when the physical stature of the giants is considered.
The ruins are far too small to have been used by the Canaanites which, as pointed out, were giants.
These ruins are from a later time… During the age of the Philistines…
But still doesn’t prove that that god of Abraham is nothing but a false god.
You haven’t considered that Israel has a covenent with God, whose very existance is proven by Israel’s continued existance and the dissappearance of all of the nations who attacked Israel in the past.The presense of Israel and their return to their land is enough legal evidence for any just court to rule that the God of Israel is real.
But the thing is, how do you, a doubter, know whether or not God is giving you plenty of space to show Him what you will do with Jesus?
@The Stranger,
Canaan was the fourth son of Ham, second son of Noah. (Genesis 10:6)
Yes and the giants came afterwards, when the 2nd group of Angels, who were sent to teach man the paths of righteousness, came and fell after lusting for the daughters of men. Hence the 2nd group of giants…