Har Megiddo

Saying "Armageddon" has such impact: instantly evoking an ominous sense of foreboding and apocalyptic imagery of the end of the world. The word derives from the Hebrew Har Megiddo, which directly translates to "Mount Megiddo", which seams harmless enough.

Where there's a mountain there is also a valley. Below is shown the plain at Megiddo, known as the Jezreel Valley.

 

 

A quick visit to the Israel Tourism website will tell you the central Jezreel Valley is 380 square kilometres in size, and is bounded on the north by the Nazareth mountains and Mount Tabor, on the east and south by Mount Gilboa and the mountains of Samaria respectively, and on the west by Mount Carmel.

 

 

 

Many have questioned the significance of a historically barren land; today however, it is considered Israel's breadbasket. Nonetheless, a number of passes through these mountains have biblical relevance, and upon reflection inspire the realisation of the strategic importance of this plain - linking Africa, Asia and Europe.

 

One such pass, the Via Maris (Way of the Sea) was used as a major trade route of antiquity, from Egypt to Turkey or the near East. At this strategic junction, as Eric Cline describes, have been fought at least 34 major conflicts that have altered the course of history. The passes have seen the likes of Alexander the Great, Vespasian, and Napoleon. And it is here many believe the Final Battle will occur.

 

A nice perspective of this "perfect battlefield" has been constructed by Stephen M Miller. Perfect or not, the Jezreel Valley may well be the site for a "A Perfect War".