In the Seventh episode of our eight-part series, Prof. Israel Finkelstein and Dr. Matthew J. Adams focus on Megiddo’s resurgence during the Iron IIB, highlighting the second wave of prosperity in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. After a partial or complete hiatus following conflicts with Damascus, the city emerges once again—this time with a focus on fortifications, large “pillared buildings,” and a sophisticated water system.
Set in the Jezreel Valley, Megiddo’s Iron IIB layers reveal a kingdom eager to capitalize on commerce and chariotry, forging a “horse industry” that may have fueled its military ventures. In this episode, we explore how eighth-century monarchs—from Joash to the famous Jeroboam II—restored Israel’s power in the region, only for Assyria’s changing imperial policy to sweep in and seal Megiddo’s fate.
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*Episode Highlights:*
00:00:24 – Recapping the Omride Era and the 840 BC Disturbance
Israel and Matt revisit Megiddo’s downfall under Damascus’s pressure, leading to a gap or low-level occupation before the Iron IIB recovery.
00:01:30 – Emergence of Iron IIB: A Gap, Then Revival
Examine evidence for the city’s partial abandonment—and how newfound stability under Israel’s monarchs let Megiddo rebuild and expand in the eighth century BC.
00:03:00 – The Northern Kingdom’s Second Wave of Prosperity
Discover how leaders like Joash and Jeroboam II reclaimed territory, boosting Megiddo’s strategic role and reviving long-distance trade connections.
00:05:00 – Monumental Architecture & The ‘Pillared Buildings’
Explore the debate around Megiddo’s three-aisled structures—long believed to be “stables” and now seen as central to Israel’s equine-based economy.
00:07:40 – Fortified Gates & Advanced Water System
Investigate the newly fortified gate and the elaborate shaft-and-tunnel water system, underscoring the city’s growing preparedness for siege.
00:09:50 – Religious Practices Under Royal Control
Learn how a new administrative building incorporated an official cult area, demonstrating the monarchy’s intent to manage both civic and sacred spheres.
00:12:30 – Assyrian Conquest & Megiddo’s Downfall (732 BC)
Israel and Matt reveal how Tiglath-pileser III’s final takeover ended this era of prosperity, turning Megiddo into an Assyrian province site.
“Megiddo – The Mother of All Tells” merges history, archaeology, and biblical echoes. This episode highlights how Iron IIB Megiddo rose on the foundations of conflict, harnessed chariotry for economic gain, and then faced the relentless tide of Assyrian expansion.
*Get Ready to:*
Discover how the city’s strategic location shaped Israel’s fortunes in the eighth century BC.
Explore the hotly debated “stables” and delve into the horse-industry hypothesis that redefined Megiddo’s economy.
Understand how new fortifications, administrative buildings, and water systems reflected a kingdom bracing for war.
Join Us in Unveiling the Layers of History!
*Don’t Forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe! Stay updated as we continue our journey through one of the Near East’s most iconic archaeological sites.*
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*Special Thanks to the Supporters of the Megiddo Expedition:*
Mr. Jacques Chahine
The Dan David Foundation
The Dr. Shlomit and Chaim Katzman Family Foundation
The Shmunis Family Foundation
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*Credits:*
Original music: @ClassiKaynan
Camera man: Johnathan Zlobin
Drone camera: Ran Lev
Video editing: Yeela Ukrainitz
Production: Alex Tsietlin, Isaac Israel
#Megiddo #Armageddon #TelMegiddo #Archaeology #IsraelFinkelstein #MatthewJAdams #IronAge #AncientHistory #Canaan #AncientCivilizations #StateFormation #ArchaeologicalDiscovery #AncientNearEast