Near the city of Megiddo (also known as Armageddon), Israeli archaeologists uncovered unique items dating back 5,000 to 3,300 years that are linked to Canaanite cults. Among the Bronze Age discoveries are a service set featuring a ram-shaped teapot, one of the oldest wine presses in the world, and a dollhouse-sized temple.
The ram’s head forms the spout of a clay vessel the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) dubbed a teapot. The IAA says the vessel was likely intended for pouring valuable liquids such as milk, oil, or wine directly from the spout. It may have been used in religious rituals.
In Canaan — a historical region on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean — domestic animals such as sheep, donkeys, and goats were highly valued. Records indicate that during Egypt’s Old Kingdom (approximately 2649–2150 BC), these animals were raised and then imported to Canaan. They were often used for sacrifices.
The team suggested that the teapot and cups were buried as a ritual offering. The artifacts were uncovered at a site where a new road is being constructed in the Jezreel Valley, as reported by Live Science.
Among other Canaanite cult artifacts found in several pits were jars, including some imported from Cyprus. A miniature clay temple particularly piqued the interest of scholars. “This may be what temples looked like in late Bronze Age Canaan,” said Amir Golani, one of the study’s leaders.
What else did the team find?
People have inhabited Megiddo since around 7000 BC. Over the centuries, numerous battles have taken place there. The Book of Revelation refers to this location as Armageddon because it is believed the final battle between good and evil will occur there.
During the excavations at Megiddo, archaeologists discovered artifacts from two periods: the Early Bronze Age, or early Canaanite period (about 5,000 years ago), and the Late Bronze Age, or late Canaanite period (about 3,300 years ago).
Archaeologists have been excavating the site for more than a century. Scholars have long described the city as a center of ancient urbanism and Canaanite religious life. Participants in the recent excavations explored previously unexamined layers of human activity that occurred in and around the city.
The team unearthed a 5,000-year-old wine press, one of the oldest known presses in the world. The press was cut into the bedrock and featured a sloped surface where grapes were crushed, with the juice flowing into a collection vat.
The team said the wine press is unique — one of the few known from that distant period when urbanization began in the region. Until now, indirect evidence suggested wine may have been produced here 5,000 years ago, but there was no definitive proof.
Near the press, the team also discovered numerous residential buildings. This suggests the press held significant importance for the community.
