Megiddo

Names

Megiddo

**Megiddo**
Transliterated Name	Source	Name
Megiddo	Hebrew	מגידו
Tel Megiddo	Hebrew	תל מגידו
Har Məgīddō	Hebrew	הַר מְגִדּוֹ‎
Magiddu, Magaddu	Akkadian
Maketi, Makitu, Makedo	Egyptian
Magidda, Makida	Canaanite-influenced Akkadian used in the Amarna tablets
Megiddo	Greek	Μεγιδδώ
Mageddou	Greek	Μαγεδδών
Megiddó, Mageddón	Greek in the Septuagint
Mageddo	Latin in the Vulgate
Armagedōn	Late Latin
Armageddon	New Testament Book of Revelation
Harmagedōn	Greek	Ἁρμαγεδών
Tell el-Qedah	Arabic	تل القدح
Tell el-Mutesellim	Arabic	مجیدو

Legio

**Legio**
Transliterated Name	Source	Name
Kefar ʿUthnai	Hebrew	כפר עותנאי
Legio	Latin
Caporcotani	Latin in the Tabula Peutingeriana Map
Legionum ?	Latin
al-Lajjun	Arabic	اللجّون

Qina Brook

**Qina Brook**
Transliterated Name	Source	Name
Qina, Kina, Qinnah	Egyptian
"Waters of Megiddo"	in Song of Deborah
Qyni ?	Hebrew	קיני
Nahal Qeni ?	Hebrew	נַחַל קֵינִי

Introduction

Due to its strategic location, Megiddo was the site of several influential battles and as a result has gained global fame for the metaphor it spawned - Armageddon. In Revelation, the final book of the New Testament Armageddon (which is linguistically derived from Megiddo) is prophesied as the place where the final battle of human history will be fought. The site has been excavated by multiple expeditions.

Identification

from Yohanan Aharoni in Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

The identification of biblical Megiddo with el-Lejjun, about 1 km (0.6 mi.) south of Tel Megiddo (Tell el-Mutesellim, map reference 1675.2212) was suggested as early as the fourteenth century by Estori ha-Pari and in the nineteenth century by E. Robinson. Tel Megiddo is one of the most important city mounds in Israel. It rises 40 to 60 m above the surrounding plain and covers an area of about 15 a. This area was enlarged in various periods by a lower city. The position of the mound at the point where Nahal 'Iron (Wadi 'Ara) enters the Jezreel Valley gave it strategic control in ancient times over the international Via Maris, which crossed from the Sharon Plain into the Valley of Jezreel by way of the 'Iron Valley. This position, astride the most important of the country's roads, made Megiddo the scene of major battles from earliest times through our own.

History

from Yohanan Aharoni in Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

The excavations conducted on the mound have shown that, in the Early and Middle Bronze ages, Megiddo was already a fortified city of major importance, despite the fact that it is not mentioned in historical sources until the fifteenth century BCE. At that time it appeared in inscriptions of Thutmose III. The annals of this pharaoh record that Megiddo led a confederation of rebel Canaanite cities that, together with Kadesh on the Orontes, attempted to overthrow Egyptian rule in Canaan and Syria. The Egyptian army and Canaanite chariotry fought the decisive battle of this rebellion at the Qinnah Brook (Wadi Lejjun), near Megiddo. This is the earliest military engagement whose details are preserved. After thoroughly routing the Canaanite force in the field, Pharaoh captured a rich booty, including 924 chariots. According to the Jebel Barkal stela, the siege of the city lasted seven months. During this time, the Egyptian army harvested the city's fields and took 207,300 kor of wheat (apart from what the soldiers kept for themselves).

After his great victory, Thutmose turned Megiddo into the major Egyptian base in the Jezreel Valley. Evidence of its importance and military strength is found in three documents: In one of the Taanach letters, in which the king of Taanach was ordered to send men and tribute to Megiddo; in a description of Amenotep II's second campaign (c. 1430 BCE), which ended "in the vicinity of Megiddo"; and in one of the el-Amarna letters (EA 244), in which the king of Megiddo asks Pharaoh to return to that city the Egyptian garrison that had been stationed there.

Megiddo is mentioned in the city lists of Thutmose III and Seti I - in Thutmose's list of Canaanite emissaries (Leningrad Papyrus 1116-A). Among the el-Amarna letters are six sent by King Biridiya (an Indo-Aryan name) of Megiddo to the Egyptian pharaoh. These letters show that Megiddo was one of the mightiest cities in the Jezreel Valley, and that its major rivals were Shechem and Acco. In one of his letters, Biridiya mentions that he brought corvee workers from Yapu (Japhia ?) to plow the fields of Shunem (a city that, according to another letter, had been previously destroyed). In the Papyrus Anastasi I, dated to the reign of Ramses II, Megiddo is mentioned in a detailed description of the road from the city down to the Coastal Plain, following the course of the 'Iron Brook'.

During the period of the Judges, Megiddo was one of the major Canaanite cities in the Jezreel Valley. It is mentioned in the Song of Deborah: "The kings came, they fought; then fought the kings of Canaan, at Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo" (Jg. 5:19; and cf. Jos. 12:21). It is also listed among the Canaanite cities not conquered by the tribe of Manasseh (Jos. 17: 11-13; Jg. 1:27-28;and cf. l Chr. 7:29). How or when Megiddo fell into lsraelite hands is not known, but it appears during the period of the United Monarchy, together with Hazor and Gezer, among the Israelite cities fortified by Solomon (I Kg. 9:15). It is also mentioned as one of the cities in Solomon's fifth administrative district (I Kg. 4: 12).

Thereafter, there are few written references to Megiddo, but it is clear that it continued to be one of the major northern cities. Pharaoh Shishak conquered it during his campaign against Israel in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign (about 925 BCE), and it is mentioned in the story of the death of Ahaziah king of Judah, during Jehu's revolt (2 Kg. 9:27). In 733-732 BCE, Tiglath-pileser III, king of Assyria, conquered the northern part of lsrael and made Megiddo the capital of the Assyrian province of Magiddu. This province included the Jezreel Valley and the Galilee (the district "of the nations" in Isaiah 9:1). The fact that Josiah's battle against Pharaoh Necho [II] in 609 BCE was fought at Megiddo (2 Kg. 23:29; 2 Chr. 35:22) indicates that, at least for a short time, the city was under Judean rule. This was in all likelihood the last period of prosperity in Megiddo's long history because, after Josiah's defeat, nothing more is heard of Megiddo. The strategic role of guarding the 'Iron Pass' was assumed by Kefar 'Othnai, a small village that became the base of the Sixth Roman Legion after the Bar-Kokhba Revolt. The village became known as Legio (in Arabic: el-Lejjun). Megiddo's military importance and long history as an international battleground were aptly reflected in the Apocalypse of John [aka Revelations] (Rev. 16:12 ff.), in which Armageddon ('Ἁρμαγεδών, the Mount of Megiddo) is designated as the site where, at the end of days, all the kings of the world will fight the ultimate battle.

Excavations

History of Excavations

from Yohanan Aharoni in Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

The excavations conducted at Megiddo were very large and extensive. From 1903 to 1905, the mound was excavated by G. Schumacher on behalf of the German Society for Oriental Research. Schumacher dug a trench 20 to 25m wide running north-south along the entire length of the mound.In part of the trench he dug down to the Middle Bronze Age II occupation levels, reaching bedrock in a small section. In his reports, Schumacher described six building levels from the Middle Bronze Age II to the Iron Age. Two large buildings discovered in the trench, the Mittelburg and the Nordburg (Schumacher's terms), were both built during the Middle Bronze Age II and continued in use, with some repairs and additions, until the Late Bronze Age. Beneath these buildings were two unique tombs with false-arch roofs that some scholars considered were tombs of the Megiddo royal dynasty in the Late Bronze Age. At the south end of the trench, Schumacher uncovered part of a large building dating to the Israelite period (Iron Age), which he called the Palast, or palace-building 1723 of the Chicago expedition (see below). Schumacher also made several soundings in different parts of the mound and on the slopes along the city walls. The sections of walls that he excavated belonged mostly to the Israelite city, but some were earlier. Near the east end of the mound, Schumacher excavated a large Israelite building he thought was a sanctuary because of its stone pillars (identified by him as the stelae of a sanctuary). He called the building the Tempelburg. Similar stone pillars, however, have been found in ordinary houses from the Israelite period. A proto-Aeolic capital, reused as a building stone, was discovered in the wall of this building. It was the first such capital found in the country. The finds of the excavation were published by C. Watzinger in a separate volume. Especially noteworthy are two seals inscribed "(belonging) to Shema' servant of Jeroboam" and "(belonging) to Asaph," which were found in the ruins of the "palace," and a stone incense burner with painted decoration found in the upper (sixth) stratum at the south end of the trench.

In 1925, excavations at Megiddo were renewed by the Oriental Institute of Chicago, on the initiative of J. H. Breasted, and continued until l939, under the successive direction of C. S. Fisher, P. L. 0. Guy, and G. Loud. The original goal of the expedition was to excavate the entire mound, removing stratum after stratum, from top to bottom. This ambitious project was carried out for the first four strata (Persian period to ninth century BCE). The finds from the four strata and from part of the excavation of the fifth stratum were published by R. Lamon and G. M. Shipton.

During the final four years of the expedition, it became evident that the work could not be continued on such a grand scale, and the excavations were thereafter concentrated in two main areas: area AA in the north, in the vicinity of the city gate, where the excavators reached stratum XIII (Middle Bronze Age IIA), and area BB, in the east, the area of the temples, where bedrock was reached (stratum XX). The expedition reached stratum VI in two additional areas, area CC in the south (the area of Schumacher's Palast) and area DD in the northeast, situated between areas AA and BB.

The outbreak of World War II put an unexpected end to the excavations. The results have appeared only in a "Catalogue Publication of floor plans and finds" - to quote Loud's definition.

Because the east slope of the mound was to be used as a dump for the excavated earth, the expedition first undertook to clear and examine this area. Its investigation revealed many burial caves from different periods. They contained rich and varied finds that provided valuable additions to the discoveries made on the mound. The finds from the burial caves were published separately by Guy and R. M. Engberg.

The east slope also yielded remains from seven levels from Early Bronze Age settlements (the excavators previously assumed that the earliest settlement level dated to the Chalcolithic period). These levels, called stages I-VII, were published separately by Engberg.

One of the most significant discoveries was the city's monumental water tunnel. It was fully excavated and made the subject of a separate study by R. Lamon. The excavators suggested that the tunnel had been dug in the twelfth century BCE. Later excavations by Y. Yadin showed that it was probably built in the Iron Age (see below). In another, separate study, H. G. May assembled the cult finds from the various levels. The magnificent hoard of ivories (see below) from the Late Bronze Age was published by Loud.

In 1960, 1961, 1966, 1967, and 1971, an expedition headed by Y. Yadin excavated Megiddo on behalf of the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In the course of reexamining Iron Age strata VIA-III, this expedition was able to distinguish the buildings already uncovered in the previous excavations, such as the northern stable compound, the gate area, and the subterranean water system. Extensive excavations were also carried out in area B of the Yadin expedition, east of area DD and north of area BB of the Chicago expedition. A more limited probe was done near gallery 629, gate 2153, and a trench in the lower terrace of the mound.

Renewed Excavations

from Israel Finkelstein, David Ussishkin, and Baruch Halperin in Stern et al (2008 v. 5)

The renewed excavations at Megiddo have been undertaken under the auspices of Tel Aviv University, with Pennsylvania State University as the senior American partner. Consortium institutions are George Washington University, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, the University of Bern, and Rostock University. The directors of the expedition are I. Finkelstein and D. Ussishkin, who lead the excavation; and B. Halpern, who heads the academic program and acts as the coordinator of the consortium. The expedition is endorsed by the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority, which maintains the site as a national park, and the Israel Exploration Society.

The renewed excavations, aiming at a long-term, systematic study of Tel Megiddo and its history, commenced in two short seasons in 1992 and 1993. The first full season took place in 1994, and the expedition has operated in the field every other year since. Eight areas have thus far been chosen for excavation. They include two trenches in the upper periphery of the site—one to the northwest and the other to the southeast; one trench in the lower mound; two areas aimed at further investigating remains uncovered in the previous excavations; and three areas in conjunction with development plans of the Nature and National Parks Protection Authority. These excavation areas consist of the following:

Area F: Located in the lower terrace of the mound, with remains of the Middle Bronze Age earthen embankment, Late Bronze Age I and Iron Age I domestic houses, and a Late Bronze Age II monumental building.
Area G: The Late Bronze Age city gate excavated by the University of Chicago team in their area AA.
Area H: A sectional trench on the northwestern edge of the mound; investigation concentrated on the relationship between the Assyrian palaces excavated in the 1920s, the destruction debris of stratum IVA, and Iron Age II stratigraphy.
Area J: A renewed study of the Early Bronze Age temples, uncovered by the University of Chicago excavations in area BB.
Area K: A sectional trench in the southeastern edge of the mound, with remains of Iron Age I–II domestic buildings.
Area L: A renewed study of palace 6000 partly excavated by Y. Yadin, and the “northern stables” partially unearthed by the University of Chicago team.
Area M: Located in the center of the mound, in and around the great north–south trench dug by G. Schumacher in the early twentieth century. Excavation was devoted to the clarification of the date and nature of the Nordburg and the monumental chamber tomb f uncovered by Schumacher, and to the exposure of an elaborate building of stratum VI to the east of Schumacher’s trench.
Area N: Located at the northwestern foot of the mound and containing Middle Bronze Age III/Late Bronze Age I remains.

The renewed excavations dealt with almost the entire sequence of occupation at Megiddo, from stratum XX of the Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age IA to stratum III of the late Iron Age II. A dual system for labeling the strata has been adopted. In each excavation area the local strata have been labeled as “levels,” the letter designating the area used as a prefix for the number of the level, e.g., “level K-3” in area K or “level H-2” in area H. In each excavation area the levels are counted from top to bottom, except for area J, where local conditions dictated a count from bottom up. As to the general stratigraphy of the site, the Chicago Expedition’s strata numbering system, e.g., “stratum XII,” has been followed.

Maps, Aerial Views, Plans, Sections, Drawings, and Photos

Maps

Fig. 31.1 - Faults and Epicenters near Meggiddo
Fig. 31.1

Location of faults near Megiddo and recent earthquake epicentres in the vicinity of the Carmel Fault. Earthquake data from the Geophysical Institute of Israel
- Y - Yoqne'am
- M - Megiddo
- T - Ta'anach
Marco et. al. (2006)
from Marco et. al. (2006)

Aerial Views

Annotated Aerial of Tel Megiddo

Annotated Satellite Image (google) of Tel Megiddo

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com

from biblewalks.com
Annotated Aerial View of

Tel Megiddo from the North

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com

Tel Megiddo from the north from BibleWalks.com
Unannotated Aerial View of

Tel Megiddo from the North

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com

Tel Megiddo from the north from BibleWalks.com
Aerial View of Tel Megiddo

Tel Megiddo with archaeological remains from the Bronze and Iron Ages

Click on Image for high resolution magnifiable image

AVRAM GRAICER - wikipedia - CC by SA 3.0

from wikipedia
Aerial View of Tel Megiddo

Air View of The Mound

Loud (1948)

in 1948 from Loud (1948)
Megiddo in Google Earth

Megiddo in Google Earth

click on image to explore this site on a new tab in Google Earth
Megiddo on govmap.gov.il

Megiddo on govmap.gov.il

click on image to explore this site on a new tab in govmap.gov.il

Plans, Sections, and Drawings

Site Plans and Sections

Modern Excavations

General Plans

Normal Size

Fig. 5.1 - Map of the

Fig. 5.1

Excavation areas of the Tel Aviv University expedition

Ussishkin (2018)

mound and excavation areas of the Tel Aviv University expedition from Ussishkin (2018))
Map of the site and

Megiddo: map of the site, showing excavation areas

Stern et al (2008 v. 5)

renewed excavation areas from Stern et al (2008 v. 5)

Magnified

Fig. 5.1 - Map of the

Fig. 5.1

Excavation areas of the Tel Aviv University expedition

Ussishkin (2018)

mound and excavation areas of the Tel Aviv University expedition from Ussishkin (2018))
Map of the site and

Megiddo: map of the site, showing excavation areas

Stern et al (2008 v. 5)

renewed excavation areas from Stern et al (2008 v. 5)

Stratum specific plans

Normal Size

Plan of Strata

Megiddo: plan of the city and main buildings in strata VA-IVB and IVA.

Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

VA-IVB and IVA from Stern et al (1993 v. 3)
Fig. 15.2 - Plan of

Fig. 15:2

Plan of Stratum VA-IVB

Ussishkin (2018)

Strata VA-IVB from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 18.1 - Plan of

Fig. 18:1

Plan of Stratum IVA

Ussishkin (2018)

Stratum IVA from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 19.3 - Plan of

Fig. 19:3

Plan of Stratum III, after Ze'ev Herzog

Ussishkin (2018)

Stratum III from Ussishkin (2018)

Magnified

Plan of Strata

Megiddo: plan of the city and main buildings in strata VA-IVB and IVA.

Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

VA-IVB and IVA from Stern et al (1993 v. 3)
Fig. 15.2 - Plan of

Fig. 15:2

Plan of Stratum VA-IVB

Ussishkin (2018)

Strata VA-IVB from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 18.1 - Plan of

Fig. 18:1

Plan of Stratum IVA

Ussishkin (2018)

Stratum IVA from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 19.3 - Plan of

Fig. 19:3

Plan of Stratum III, after Ze'ev Herzog

Ussishkin (2018)

Stratum III from Ussishkin (2018)

Deformed Structures Map

Fig. 31.2

Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement.

Marco et. al. (2006)

Early Excavations

Normal Size

Fig. 2.5a - Excavation

Fig. 2:5a

The plan of the tell and the excavations prepared by Schumacher

Ussishkin (2018)

areas of Schumacher from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 2.5b - North-South

Fig. 2:5b

North-South section prepared by Schumacher

Ussishkin (2018)

section of Schumacher from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 3.5 - Excavation

Fig. 3:15

The excavation areas of the Oriental Institute expedition

Ussishkin (2018)

areas of Oriental Institute expedition (Univ. of Chicago) from Ussishkin (2018)

Magnified

Fig. 2.5a - Excavation

Fig. 2:5a

The plan of the tell and the excavations prepared by Schumacher

Ussishkin (2018)

areas of Schumacher from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 2.5b -

Fig. 2:5b

North-South section prepared by Schumacher

Ussishkin (2018)

North-South section of Schumacher from Ussishkin (2018)
Fig. 3.5 - Excavation

Fig. 3:15

The excavation areas of the Oriental Institute expedition

Ussishkin (2018)

areas of Oriental Institute expedition (Univ. of Chicago) from Ussishkin (2018)

Magnified X 2

Fig. 2.5b -

Fig. 2:5b

North-South section prepared by Schumacher

Ussishkin (2018)

North-South section of Schumacher from Ussishkin (2018)

Area Plans, Sections, and Photos

Area H

Normal Size

Fig. 5.2 - Plan of

Figure 5.2

Plan of Level H-9

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.8 - Photo of

Figure 5.8

General view of Level H-9, looking north.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.4 - South

Figure 5.4

South section of Area H (Squares E—F/6).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

section of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.5 - East section

Figure 5.5

East section of Area H (Squares F/6-9).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.6 - West section

Figure 5.6

West section of Area H (Squares E/6-9).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.7 - Eastern section

Figure 5.7

Eastern section of Squares E/6-9.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.8 - Photo of

Figure 5.8

General view of Level H-9, looking north.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.25 - Plan of Level H-5

Figure 5.25

Plan of Level H-5

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.26 - View of Level H-5 looking north

Figure 5.26

General View of Level H-5, looking north

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Magnified

Fig. 5.2 - Plan of

Figure 5.2

Plan of Level H-9

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.4 - South

Figure 5.4

South section of Area H (Squares E—F/6).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

section of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.5 - East section

Figure 5.5

East section of Area H (Squares F/6-9).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.6 - West section

Figure 5.6

West section of Area H (Squares E/6-9).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.7 - Eastern section

Figure 5.7

Eastern section of Squares E/6-9.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

of Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.8 - Photo of

Figure 5.8

General view of Level H-9, looking north.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.25 - Plan of

Figure 5.25

Plan of Level H-5

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-5 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.26 - View of

Figure 5.26

General View of Level H-5, looking north

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level H-5 looking north from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area M

Normal Size

Fig. 4.20 - Plan of

Figure 4.20

Plan of Level M-4.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level M-4 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Magnified

Fig. 4.20 - Plan of

Figure 4.20

Plan of Level M-4.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Level M-4 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Cultic Area

Normal Size

Fig. 2.6 - Superposition
Fig. 2.6

Diagram showing the superposition of the temples in the cultic area:
- at the bottom, at left – the Stratum XIX temple
- above it, and further to the right – The Great Temple of Stratum XVIII
- above it – the Round Altar (Stratum XVI) and the three Megaron Temples (Stratum XV)
- at the top – the Tower Temple of the Middle and Late Bronze Ages
Ussishkin (2011)
of temples in the cultic area from Ussishkin (2011)

Magnified

Fig. 2.6 - Superposition
Fig. 2.6

Diagram showing the superposition of the temples in the cultic area:
- at the bottom, at left – the Stratum XIX temple
- above it, and further to the right – The Great Temple of Stratum XVIII
- above it – the Round Altar (Stratum XVI) and the three Megaron Temples (Stratum XV)
- at the top – the Tower Temple of the Middle and Late Bronze Ages
Ussishkin (2011)
of temples in the cultic area from Ussishkin (2011)

Great Temple of Stratum XVIII

Normal Size

Fig. 2.7 - Reconstruction

Fig. 2.7

The Great Temple of Stratum XVIII; a reconstructed plan.

Ussishkin (2011)

of the Great Temple of Stratum XVIII from Ussishkin (2011)

Magnified

Fig. 2.7 - Reconstruction

Fig. 2.7

The Great Temple of Stratum XVIII; a reconstructed plan.

Ussishkin (2011)

of the Great Temple of Stratum XVIII from Ussishkin (2011)

Photos

Stratum XVIII Earthquake (End of Level J-4) - Early Bronze IB ca. 3000 BCE

Fig. 31.3D - Fractured Temple Walls

Figure 31.3D

In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured

Marco et. al. (2006)

from Marco et. al. (2006)
Fig. 31.3E - Fractured Temple Walls

Figure 31.3E

In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured

Marco et. al. (2006)

from Marco et. al. (2006)
Fig. 31.3F - Fractured Temple Walls

Figure 31.3F

In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured

Marco et. al. (2006)

from Marco et. al. (2006)
Fig. 40.1 - Extension Fractures

Figure 40.1

Wall 96/J/1 in Square H-10, looking east. Note fracture along the strike on the edge of the wall.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3)

in Stone Wall of Level J-4 Temple from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3)
Fig. 2.47 - Fractures in Temple 4040

Figure 2.47

Strike fractures in Temple 4040 Wall 08/J/38.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Stratum VIIA Earthquake (?) - Late Bronze Age - after ~1200 BCE

Fig. 31.3H - Extension cracks and

Figure 31.3H

Extension cracks in the Late Bronze gate. Ashlar stones in courses in the middle of the walls (sandwiched between other courses) are fractured in opening mode. Horizontal sliding of the fragments occurred everywhere in the same direction, sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). The gate has no foundations, a fact that could have made it particularly vulnerable to seismic vibrations.

Marco et. al. (2006)

shifted Ashlars in the Late Bronze gate from Marco et. al. (2006)

Stratum VIA Earthquake (?) - Late Iron Age I ~950 BCE

Fig. 5.3 - Destruction Layers H-5 and H-9

Figure 5.3

Southern section of Area H, looking south. The figure is standing on the floor of Level H-9. From bottom: the thick accumulation debris of Level H-9, the floors of Level H-7 and the destruction of Level H-5. (Note the differences in the nature of destruction between Levels H-9 and H-5.)

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.8 - Photo of Level H-9

Figure 5.8

General view of Level H-9, looking north.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.9 - Smashed storage jar

Figure 5.9

Smashed storage jar lying on the floor of Courtyard 08/H/38 of Level H-9 (note charred beam between mudbricks), looking east.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

and charred beam in Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.10 - Complete storage jar in Level H-9

Figure 5.10

A complete storage jar on Paved Floor 06/H/51 in the northwestern part of Courtyard 08/H/38 of Level H-9 (note the depth of City Wall 325), looking east.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.11 - Smashed pottery vessels in Level H-9

Figure 5.11

Smashed pottery vessels in the eastern part of Courtyard 08/H/38 with Partition wall 06/H/8, Level H-9, looking east.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Stratum IVA Earthquake - after ca. 800 BCE

Fig. 5.26 - View of Level H-5 looking north

Figure 5.26

General View of Level H-5, looking north

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.27 - Level H-5 Destruction Layer

Figure 5.27

The southern section of Area H with Level H-5 destruction in the centre of the picture (note the sloping down of the Level H-5 floor toward Installation 06 H 14 in the right) and Level H-7 floors, looking south.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.28 - Level H-5 Destruction Debris

Figure 5.28

Destruction debris on Floor 98 H 62 of Level H-5, looking west.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Canaanite Gate (Strata VIII-VII)

Fig. 2.12 - Strata VIII-VII Canaanite Gate

Fig. 2.12

The late Canaanite city-gate (Strata VIII-VII)

Ussishkin (2011)

before restoration from Ussishkin (2011)
Old photo of the Canaanite Gate

LB city gate in area AA.

Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

from Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

Stratigraphy

System for labeling strata in the renewed excavations

from Israel Finkelstein, David Ussishkin, and Baruch Halperin in Stern et al (2008 v. 5)

The renewed excavations dealt with almost the entire sequence of occupation at Megiddo, from stratum XX of the Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age IA to stratum III of the late Iron Age II. A dual system for labeling the strata has been adopted. In each excavation area the local strata have been labeled as “levels,” the letter designating the area used as a prefix for the number of the level, e.g., “level K-3” in area K or “level H-2” in area H. In each excavation area the levels are counted from top to bottom, except for area J, where local conditions dictated a count from bottom up. As to the general stratigraphy of the site, the Chicago Expedition’s strata numbering system, e.g., “stratum XII,” has been followed.

Entire Site

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Table 1.1

Summary of Megiddo stratigraphy updated to 2008

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area H

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Table 5.1

Updated Stratigraphy of Area H

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area J

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Table 2.2

Revised and Augmented Stratigraphy of Area J

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Ussishkin (2015)

from Ussishkin (2015)

Table 1

The Cultic Compound in the Early Periods

Ussishkin (2015)

Table 2

The Six Stages of the Sacred Area during Strata XX-XIV Levels J-1 - J-8

Ussishkin (2015)

Area M

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Table 4.1

The Stratigraphy of Area M

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Table 4.3

UPDATED STRATIGRAPHY OF AREA M (REPLACING FINKELSTEIN, USSISHKIN AND DEUTSCH 2006: 80, TABLE 5.1)

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

The Iron Age in the Southern Levant

Stratum XVIII Earthquake (End of Level J-4) - Early Bronze IB ca. 3000 BCE

Photos

Fig. 31.3D - Fractured Temple Walls

Figure 31.3D

In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured

Marco et. al. (2006)

from Marco et. al. (2006)
Fig. 31.3E - Fractured Temple Walls

Figure 31.3E

In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured

Marco et. al. (2006)

from Marco et. al. (2006)
Fig. 31.3F - Fractured Temple Walls

Figure 31.3F

In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured

Marco et. al. (2006)

from Marco et. al. (2006)
Fig. 40.1 - Extension Fractures

Figure 40.1

Wall 96/J/1 in Square H-10, looking east. Note fracture along the strike on the edge of the wall.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3)

in Stone Wall of Level J-4 Temple from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3)
Fig. 2.47 - Fractures in Temple 4040

Figure 2.47

Strike fractures in Temple 4040 Wall 08/J/38.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Discussion

Marco et. al. (2006) reported that in Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f) while the overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured. They attributed this to probable catastrophic horizontal shaking and categorized this as an earthquake event that was beyond doubt. This archaeoseismic evidence is indeed compelling. Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1331) reports that Adams in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3 Ch.3 Part III) argues against this interpretation attributing abandonment of the temple in particular and Megiddo in general to socio-political change. Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1331) summarized Pro and Con arguments in the Table below while asserting that an earthquake was likely responsible for the wall fractures.

Megiddo EBIB pro and con quake arguments

Table 39.1

EB IB Earthquake Theory Arguments, Pro and Con

Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1331)

Stratum VIIA Earthquake (?) - Late Bronze Age - after ~1200 BCE

Photos

Fig. 31.3H - Extension cracks and

Figure 31.3H

Extension cracks in the Late Bronze gate. Ashlar stones in courses in the middle of the walls (sandwiched between other courses) are fractured in opening mode. Horizontal sliding of the fragments occurred everywhere in the same direction, sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). The gate has no foundations, a fact that could have made it particularly vulnerable to seismic vibrations.

Marco et. al. (2006)

shifted Ashlars in the Late Bronze gate from Marco et. al. (2006)

Discussion

Marco et. al. (2006) observed extension cracks and shifted Ashlar stones in the Late Bronze Age Gate. The ashlars shifted sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). They noted that the gate lacked a foundation making it vulnerable to seismic destruction. Unfortunately, this compelling archaeoseismic evidence lacks a reliable terminus ante quem so all that could be said was that this presumed seismic destruction post dates c. 1200 BCE and could have been caused by the ~950 BCE Stratum IVA seismic event. Marco et. al. (2006) also noted that stone plates in the roof of Schumacher's Chamber f (see Chapter 5) are fractured at 90°. This presumed roof collapse also lacks a reliable terminus ante quem and could be associated with a Late Bronze Age Earthquake or a later event such as the ~950 BCE Stratum IVA seismic event. Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1335-1336) seems to suggest, however, that the destruction of Stratum VIIA was due to human agency.

References

Stratum VIIA destruction layer in the Megiddo V Reports

from Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1335-1336)

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LATE BRONZE CITY

Stratum VIIA — the last layer of Late Bronze Megiddo — was exposed in all four areas dug by the University of Chicago (AA, BB, CC and DD) and in four areas of the current Tel Aviv University-led excavations (F, G [which is part of the University of Chicago's Area AA], K and M).

Interesting data pertaining to the end of Stratum VIIA was collected in the 2004-2008 seasons in Areas M and K. In Area M, the Nordburg was destroyed, though not in a conflagration. In one room of the edifice (04/M/75), LB III (Level M-6), pottery was found smashed on the floor. No evidence of fire was observed. The excavation of this room revealed an accumulation of almost a metre of unburned brick collapse. Whether the collapse took place in the end days of Stratum VIIA or the walls were pulled down in the early days of Stratum VIB in preparation for new construction is not clear. Carbonized olive pits were found in the olive press in nearby Room 00/M/2, which had already been excavated by Schumacher (1908: Taf. XII).

In Area K, traces of destruction were observed in Level K-6, which also dates to the LB III, in the sense that some vessels were found broken on the floors. There was no collapse and evidence of fire could be seen only in limited spots (the northern baulk of Square P/11 plus carbonized olive pits in Olive Press 02/K/60 in nearby Square P/10).

Our past excavation of the Late Bronze gate (Area G) revealed evidence of the last days of the Late Bronze city, including evidence of its destruction (Ussishkin 1995). No such evidence could be traced in Area F on the lower terrace of the mound.

Loud (1948: 29) described a violent destruction of the palace in Area AA, which he affiliated with the end of Stratum VIIB. Ussishkin (1995: 241-246) argued that this was the destruction of Stratum VIIA. The palace was annihilated in a heavy conflagration that left an accumulation of fallen stones a metre-and-a-half-thick, with another accumulation of fallen bricks over it. Baked' mudbricks were found still standing in the upper parts of the walls (Loud 1948: Figs. 71-72 and a schematic section in Ussishkin 1995: Fig. 6: 2-3).

The situation in Area BB was more complicated. Loud (1948: 105) mentions a destruction of Temple 2048, with a "partially burned lime floor" adjacent to the platform at the back of the temple-hall, both in relation to Stratum VIIB. Yet, the pottery from the only floor in the temple-hall (Kenyon 1969: 54) is typical of Stratum VIA (Mazar 1985: 97; see also Kempinski 1989: 77-83; Ussishkin 1995: 256), which means that the destruction is post-Late Bronze. In other words, no clear destruction of Stratum VIIA was observed in Area BB.

Loud's short description of the results in Areas CC and DD does not mention destruction. This, of course, may be due to the brevity of his description, but it is still significant because the published pictures also do not show evidence of destruction.

The destruction of Stratum VIIA can be summarized as follows: evidence for violent conflagration and thick collapse was traced solely in the area of the palace. Lesser pieces of evidence for destruction were found in the gate (which, in fact, is part of the palace complex), in the Nordburg — another large building of palatial nature — and to a certain extent in Level K-6. There is no clear data for Areas CC and DD and no destruction was observed in Area BB of the University of Chicago and in Area F of the current excavations. It seems, then, that the main target for the assault on the city of Stratum VIIA was the palace.

Stratum VIIA was destroyed in the 1130s BCE, as indicated by the base of a statue of Ramesses VI found by the University of Chicago team in Area CC (Breasted 1948). This find, though retrieved from a problematic stratigraphic context, must have originated in Stratum VIIA (Singer 1988-1989; Ussishkin 1995). The ¹⁴C results discussed in this volume (Chapter 25) are in line with this date (see also Finkelstein and Piasetzky 2009). Ussishkin (1995) suggested that Stratum VIIA was destroyed by a group of Sea Peoples; an assault by a local unruly group in the chaotic days of the late 12th century BCE is also possible.

Stratum VIA Earthquake (?) - Late Iron Age I ~950 BCE

The destruction of Stratum VIA is described by Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1336-1337) as total with evidence in every area excavated by our team and by our predecessors including from Levels H-9 and M-4. While Marco et al. 2006 suggested that it was probable but not conclusive that the destruction of Stratum VIA was caused by an earthquake, Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1336-1337), using the results of radiocarbon dating of 7 nearby sites along the same approximate time horizon, concluded that that the destruction stemmed from early steps in the rise of a north Israelite territorial entity — the expansion of the highlanders into the northern valleys. It should be noted that the dates for Late Iron Age I throughout northern Israel is actively debated.

References

Iron Age I destruction layer in the Megiddo V Reports

from Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1336-1337)

THE IRON I

In contrast to the destruction at the end of the LB III, as well as the destructions in the late Iron IIA and Iron IIB, which were partial and encompassed only certain sectors of the settlement, the destruction of the late Iron I city was total. Evidence for this annihilation is now evident in every area excavated by our team and by our predecessors. The 2004-2008 seasons added the evidence from Levels H-9 and M-4.

For the moment, large numbers of radiocarbon results are available only for the late Iron I (Levels K-4, H-9 and M-4), while the number of determinations for Levels K-5, H-7 and H-5 does not allow the reaching of clear conclusions (many more samples for these and other Iron Age layers are now being processed and will be published in the future). Boaretto (Chapter 25) puts the destruction of late Iron I Megiddo in the first half of the 10th century or ca. 950 BCE (see also Finkelstein and Piasetzky 2007; 2009).

Many other late Iron I settlements in the northern valleys and the northern coastal plain came to an end in a violent conflagration. As is well known, scholars have suggested a single event for the end of this phase in the north: a major earthquake (Lamon and Shipton 1939:7; Marco et al. 2006; Cline 2011), King David's conquests (Yadin 1970: 95; Harrison 2004: 108), or Pharaoh Sheshonq I's campaign (Watzinger 1929: 58, 91; Finkelstein 2002).

Seven sites, five of which were destroyed by fire, supply 88 ¹⁴C determinations (for the data, see Finkelstein and Piasetzky 2007; 2009). When an uncalibrated date is established for each of these layers separately (by averaging its determinations — a legitimate procedure in the case of destruction layers, because one can assume that all samples came from the last years before the destruction), it becomes clear that the results do not provide similar dates. Rather, the uncalibrated dates fall into two groups that show geographical logic: the western Jezreel Valley-Acco Plain sites and the eastern Jezreel Valley-Sea of Galilee sites. The two groups are separated by 58 uncalibrated years (2852±13 and 2794±10 respectively), that is, 3.5 σ; the probability that they represent a single date is therefore low.

Most likely, then, the late Iron I horizon in northern Israel came to an end in two main events, or two clusters of events, in 1047-996 BCE and 974-915 BCE according to the `uncalibrated weighted average' method (Finkelstein and Piasetzky, 2007); 1017-984 and 969—898 BC according to a Bayesian model constructed for this purpose (idem. 2009).⁷

This conclusion renders the earthquake and single military campaign theories invalid. The most reasonable historical reconstruction would explain this gradual destruction in the north as representing early steps in the rise of a north Israelite territorial entity — the expansion of the highlanders into the northern valleys.

Footnotes

7 Accordingly, the transition from the late Iron Ito the early Iron BA falls in the second half of the 10th century ( Finkelstein and Piasetzky 2010, contra Mazar and Bronk Ramsey, 2008).

Level H-9 in the Megiddo V Reports

Plans, Sections, and Photos

Fig. 5.2 - Plan of Level H-9

Figure 5.2

Plan of Level H-9

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.3 - Destruction Layers H-5 and H-9

Figure 5.3

Southern section of Area H, looking south. The figure is standing on the floor of Level H-9. From bottom: the thick accumulation debris of Level H-9, the floors of Level H-7 and the destruction of Level H-5. (Note the differences in the nature of destruction between Levels H-9 and H-5.)

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.4 - South section of

Figure 5.4

South section of Area H (Squares E—F/6).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.5 - East section of

Figure 5.5

East section of Area H (Squares F/6-9).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.6 - West section of

Figure 5.6

West section of Area H (Squares E/6-9).

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.7 - Eastern section of

Figure 5.7

Eastern section of Squares E/6-9.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Area H from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.8 - Photo of Level H-9

Figure 5.8

General view of Level H-9, looking north.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.9 - Smashed storage jar

Figure 5.9

Smashed storage jar lying on the floor of Courtyard 08/H/38 of Level H-9 (note charred beam between mudbricks), looking east.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

and charred beam in Level H-9 from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.10 - Complete storage jar in Level H-9

Figure 5.10

A complete storage jar on Paved Floor 06/H/51 in the northwestern part of Courtyard 08/H/38 of Level H-9 (note the depth of City Wall 325), looking east.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.11 - Smashed pottery vessels in Level H-9

Figure 5.11

Smashed pottery vessels in the eastern part of Courtyard 08/H/38 with Partition wall 06/H/8, Level H-9, looking east.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Discussion

Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1336) reports the following regarding Iron Age stratigraphy in Area H

Area H provides the best stratigraphic sequence for Iron Age Megiddo, with two pre-732 BCE Iron IIB layers (levels H-3 and H-4), four Iron IIA layers (levels H-5 to H-8), one late Iron I layer (level H-9) and at least two early Iron I layers (levels H-10 and H-11, which will be reported on in the next Megiddo report). This system of nine layers (only five were detected by the University of Chicago) covers a time span of ca. 370 years (ca. 1100–732 BCE) with an accumulation of ca. 5.5 m. three of the settlements – levels H-9, H-5 and H-3 – ended in destruction.

Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1:253-256) reported the following about Level H-9:

Level H-9

Level H-9 (Fig. 5.2) was violently destroyed by a fierce fire leaving a thick accumulation of red burnt mudbrick debris. In some places the collapse debris reached over 1 min height (Figs. 5.3-5.5). This red brick debris and the typical pottery retrieved from this phase leave no doubt regarding the correlation between Level H-9 and Stratum VIA of the University of Chicago expedition, dated to the late Iron I. The excellent state of preservation of Level H-9 is manifested by a large number of pottery vessels and small finds.

Due to the narrow dimensions of Area H, the architecture assigned to Level H-9 does not provide a clear layout of a building. It comprises architectural elements that were reconstructed in this report as one unit called Building 08/H/38 (Fig. 5.8).

CENTRAL COURTYARD 08/H/38

Due to its large expanse it is logical to assume that this architectural unit served as a courtyard. Still, two flat stones that probably served as pillar bases, which were found in the western side of this unit, may suggest that it was partly roofed. Several carbonized beams that were found here could have originated from this roof or from the pillars themselves (Fig. 5.9).

While the floor of most of the courtyard was made of beaten earth, two parts of it were paved with fieldstones. The first (06/H/55) located in the southeastern corner of the courtyard, was probably constructed in order to support the weight of Basin 08/H/30 (see below). Above this pavement, a thick phytolith layer was found, identified by Ruth Shahack-Gross (personal communication) as some kind of a mat. The second paved area (06/H/51), which was found in the northwestern part of the courtyard, slopes down toward the south probably due to sinking (Fig. 5.10). It originally abutted Wall 06/H/13 and probably represents a larger floor that was not preserved.

Courtyard 08/H/38 yielded the largest accumulation of finds retrieved from Level H-9. The thick debris of red-fired mudbricks spread all over the courtyard contained dozens of pottery vessels (Fig. 5.11). It is worth mentioning that the southwestern part of the courtyard can be distinguished from its western sector by the character of its finds: a significant number of small vessels in the former versus mostly big storage vessels in the latter (see Chapter 12).

...

It is worth mentioning that below the floors dated to the last destruction of Level H-9 an accumulation of beaten earth floors (ca. 0.20 m thick) was excavated all over the courtyard. These represent the life span of Level H-9. This phenomenon was recognized only in this unit, seemingly also testifying to its function as a courtyard.

Level M-4 in the Megiddo V Reports

Plans and Tables

Table 4.1 - The Stratigraphy of Area M

Table 4.1

The Stratigraphy of Area M

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 4.20 - Plan of Level M-4

Figure 4.20

Plan of Level M-4.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Discussion

Norma Franklin in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1) interpreted Area M while noting that her interpretation also took into account the results of past excavations in this area, mainly Schumacher's. She reported the following on pages 202-203 about the demise of Level M-4:

THE DEMISE OF LEVEL M-4

Level M-4 came to an end in a dramatic destruction, with heavy conflagration. This destruction is the contemporary of Level K-4 (Gadot et al. 2006: 94-101) and Level H-9 (Chapter 5).

There was a marked difference between the burnt mudbrick material deposited over Rooms 04/M/44 and 04/M/55 in Squares AV—AW/27 and the material deposited over the open area in Squares AV/28-29 and AW/28-29. The former featured a thick concentration of (unburnt) mudbrick debris. In Square AW/27 (Locus 04/M/24) there was disturbed mudbrick debris, rock tumble, pottery sherds, and broken fragments of worked basalt, and the Level M-4 walls had been partially robbed of their stones. Square AV/27 featured a similar picture: a north-south robber trench traversed the east side of the square (Locus 04/M/14); it was located over Level M-4 Wall 04/M/5, and possibly represents the robbing of part of the wall's superstructure.

The other squares were covered with a thick layer of burnt mudbrick. For example Loci 00/M/31 and 00/M/33 north and south of Wall 00/M/27, respectively, contained burnt mudbrick debris that appeared to have been deposited, after burning, on the ashy surfaces of Level M-4. Only a few of the burnt mudbricks were in situ, e.g., part of the mudbrick superstructure of Wall 00/M/27.

The most dramatic picture of the conflagration that marked the end of Level M-4 was seen in Square AW/28. The best preserved and most colourful selection of burnt mudbrick debris was revealed here, including whole mudbricks measuring 46 x 30 x 12 cm. Some were black due to carbonized organic material, others ranged from yellow ochre, through burnt sienna to burnt umber. The pile was at its highest in the southeast corner of the square and sloped down to the west and north; on excavation it resembled a veritable cascade of mudbrick (Fig. 4.26). However the `cascade' was in fact a post-occupation level deposit that contained Level M-4 material (see below). The lowest point of the `cascade' cut through the original Level M-4 surface (02/M/71), but the bulk of the burnt material rested on the floor and covered Wall 00/M/27.

Stratum VA-IVB Earthquake - Early Iron Age II - between 835 and 830 BCE or a bit later

Marco et. al. (2006) reported on tilted columns and a tilted floor which they attributed to probable catastrophic horizontal shaking and categorized as an earthquake event that was beyond doubt. They suggested a terminus post quem of the Early Iron II (Stratum VA-IVB) and a terminus ante quem of Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) because the northern stables were undamaged. This led to a narrow time window between 835 and 800 BCE or perhaps a bit later (?). They also assigned an ash horizon overlain by collapsed mud-bricks in Area H to this event.

Stratum IVA Earthquake - after ca. 800 BCE

Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1:270-272) reported on a collapse and destruction layer in Level H-5 which correlates with Stratum VA-IVB. The most significant evidence for collapse and destruction is located in the southern parts of the area may testify that a building stood right to the south of Area H. Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1:270-272) noted that the destruction of this city was not complete and certain parts of the mound did not show evidence of destruction by fire (Finkelstein 2009: 117).

Knauf (2002:2) reports that the occupation of Phase H5a [which correlates to Stratum IVA] was terminated by an earthquake, which cracked the city wall and strewed parts of walls of these southern buildings all over Area H.

Marco et. al. (2006) observed that a staircase between the Iron II gate complex and a reservoir was tilted and faulted, a wall in the courtyard of the Southern Stables tilted to the west, there were fractures in the walls of a Silo (1404), and there were fractures in the limestone bedrock of Tunnel 1000 of the water system. Although they suggested the most likely candidate for this archaeoseismic evidence was the ~760 BCE Amos Quake, they noted that an inability to establish a terminus ante quem created chronological uncertainty and opened up the possibility that the causitive earthquake struck later. The terminus post quem was c. 800 BCE.

References

Level H-5 in the Megiddo V Reports

Plans, Photos, and Tables

Fig. 5.25 - Plan of Level H-5

Figure 5.25

Plan of Level H-5

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.26 - View of Level H-5 looking north

Figure 5.26

General View of Level H-5, looking north

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.27 - Level H-5 Destruction Layer

Figure 5.27

The southern section of Area H with Level H-5 destruction in the centre of the picture (note the sloping down of the Level H-5 floor toward Installation 06 H 14 in the right) and Level H-7 floors, looking south.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Fig. 5.28 - Level H-5 Destruction Debris

Figure 5.28

Destruction debris on Floor 98 H 62 of Level H-5, looking west.

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)
Table 5.1 - Updated Stratigraphy of Area H

Table 5.1

Updated Stratigraphy of Area H

Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

from Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)

Discussion

Israel Finkelstein in Adams et al. (2013 Vol. 3:1336) reports the following regarding Iron Age stratigraphy in Area H

Area H provides the best stratigraphic sequence for Iron Age Megiddo, with two pre-732 BCE Iron IIB layers (levels H-3 and H-4), four Iron IIA layers (levels H-5 to H-8), one late Iron I layer (level H-9) and at least two early Iron I layers (levels H-10 and H-11, which will be reported on in the next Megiddo report). This system of nine layers (only five were detected by the University of Chicago) covers a time span of ca. 370 years (ca. 1100–732 BCE) with an accumulation of ca. 5.5 m. three of the settlements – levels H-9, H-5 and H-3 – ended in destruction.

... It is now clear that level H-5 is indeed part of Stratum VA-IVB (Arie, Chapter 13).

Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1:270-272) reported the following about Level H-5:

Level H-5

Level H-5 (Figs. 5.25-5.26), which is reported here, is equivalent to Knauf's Level H-5a (Knauf 2006: 142). As far as I can judge, there is no evidence for his earlier phases (his Levels H-5b and H-5c). The reconstruction of Finkelstein and Ussishkin (2006: 145) is also inaccurate, as it combined remains of both Levels H-6 and H-5.

During Level H-5, Area H served as an open space devoid of any architectural remains. A plaster floor set with pebbles covered most of the area. Some of the highest stones of Level H-6 walls could be seen on top of this. The level of the floor was 161.00±15 all over the area. The floor was damaged by three large pits. While two pits (98/H/22 and 98/H/63) are related to an intermediate phase between Levels H-4 and H-3 (Petit 2006: 136), the third (00/H/14) was probably dug during the time of Level H-4.

Installation 00/H/4 was probably used for cooking. It was made of three stones; the central one was crumbling since it was exposed to fire. A semicircular installation (00/H/9) was located in the southwestern part of this open space. It is stone-lined and could have been used as a posthole. Another installation (06/H/14) is located in the southwestern part of the area. It was dug to a depth of ca. 70 cm below the floor of Level H-5 and it therefore cuts a Level H-6 floor (this is seen in the southern and western sections of the area). The floor of this installation was paved; it was laid at almost the same elevation as that of the highest floor of the Level H-7 courtyard (Fig. 5.27). Because only a limited part of this installation was uncovered, its function is unknown. It is important to emphasize that in the past this installation was wrongly interpreted as related to either Level H-7 (Knauf 2006: 137) or to Level H-6 (Finkelstein and Ussishkin 2006: 145); this led to a misunderstanding of the relationship between the University of Chicago strata and the Megiddo Expedition levels.

Level H-5 came to its end in a violent destruction. This is best seen in the southern part of the area, where a collapse of big stones, burnt mudbricks, large chunks of charcoal and restorable pottery vessels were found (Fig. 5.28). Evidence for this destruction was also found on the floor of Installation 06/H/14.

CONCLUSION

Level H-5 represents a complete change in the architectural planning of Area H. After many years in which the area comprised domestic buildings surrounded by open courtyards, Area H became an open space that probably functioned as a public area. The gap in elevation between the floors of Level H-6 (ca. 160.40 m) and Level H-5 (ca. 161.00 m) can be explained as a result of the clearing and flattening of the debris originating from the architecture of Level H-6 and the preparation of the area for plastering.

It is logical to assume that this plaster floor and the plaster floor reported by Loud (1948: Fig. 380) in the adjacent Square L6, which are at the same elevation (161.00±15 m), were connected to each other. Loud affiliated this floor with Stratum IVA and according to his plan it abuts City Wall 325. Yet, it seems that Loud's floor could not have abutted the city wall, because today it is clear that Addition 1055, which was reported in Megiddo I (and was affiliated with Stratum III [Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 89]), must have cut this floor from the city wall. Consequently, Loud's floor has to be understood as the continuation of the Level H-5 floor; both are earlier than the construction of City Wall 325. This assumption is strengthened by the fact that Loud (1948: Fig. 388) did not associate any architectural elements with Stratum VA (the equivalent to Level H-5) in Square L6. The large size of this plaster floor (all of Area H and the floor reported by Loud) placed in a public area, may hint that a central government was involved in its construction.

The fact that the most significant evidence for collapse and destruction is located in the southern parts of the area may testify that a building stood right to the south of Area H. A wood sample from this area was recognized as Cedar of Lebanon, hinting at the probable wealth of this building's inhabitants (Liphschitz 2006: 515). The nature of destruction of Level H-5, together with its stratigraphic position and its characteristic pottery, enable its correlation with Stratum VA-IVB. The destruction of this city was not complete and certain parts of the mound did not show evidence of destruction by fire (Finkelstein 2009: 117).

Observations and Analysis by Knauf (2002)

from Knauf (2002:2)

What did we excavate in the season of 2000 in Area H ?

At the lowest level, we reached an elaborate semi-monumental building added to a pre-existing, small-scale domestic occupation (Phase H6b). The monumental building was never finished; it may have housed some squatters in the period of its abandonment (Phase H6a). Squatter occupation continued in the ruins (Phase H5d), followed by the construction of city Wall 325 (Phase H5Sc). It is obvious from the inclination of the Area H surfaces that Wall 325 represents the first city wall of Iron Age Megiddo. Throughout — the different phases of occupation of Level H5, Area H is devoid of architecture; it contains a sequence of more than 20 floor levels with abundant traces of open-air domestic activity. There was domestic architecture immediately to the south of Area H (unexcavated), for the occupation of Phase H5a was terminated by an earthquake, which cracked the city wall and strewed parts of walls of these southern buildings all over Area H. Our Phases H6b-a should be assigned to the University of Chicago’s Stratum V, while our Phases HSd-a (plus Levels H4 and H3 excavated in past seasons) cover the time-span of the University of Chicago’s Stratum IVA.

How to decipher all this historically? The commencement of elaborate construction in Level H6b testifies to the prosperity at the end of the Omride dynasty as its abandonment may reflect the consequences of Jehu’s revolt. The destruction of Phase H6a and the subsequent squatter- occupation (H5d) illustrate the fate of Israel under Aramaean domination (II Kgs 10:32- 33; 13:3, 22). The construction of the city wall in Level HSc indicates the beginning of Israel’s recovery under Joash and Jeroboam II (II Kgs 13:24f; 14:25-28). City Wall 325 was the wall of the city conquered by Tiglat-pileser III in 733 BCE. The destruction of Phase H5a should probably be attributed to the earthquake in the time of Jeroboam II, mentioned in Amos 1:1 and archaeologically also attested at Hazor and Tell Deir ‘Alla in the Jordan Valley, where it toppled and buried the stele with the famous Balaam-text.

Synchronizing the stratigraphy of Area H with the biblical record is perfectly possible within the framework of the “Low Chronology”. According to the traditional chronology, Phase H6b (= University of Chicago’s VA) should reflect the time of Solomon. The subsequent decline would then be due to the demise of the “United Monarchy” and the civil wars in Israel between Jeroboam I and Omri. It would have been Omri or Ahab who built city Wall 325. But then, the earthquake of Jeroboam II’s time would not have left any trace in the occupational deposits, whereas the earthquake in our Phase H5a escaped the attention of the ancient texts.

Stratum III Earthquake - after ca. 700 BCE

Marco et. al. (2006) reported on a tilted pillar, a tilted and partially collapsed wall, and a folded wall in Stratum III. They noted that it was probable but not sure that these distortions were caused by seismic activity. The Stratum III structures provided a terminus post quem of ~700 BCE, but unfortunately, it was not possible to establish a terminus ante quem. In addition, no photos were provided which would allow one to assess the evidence. They also suggested that fractured walls in Silo 4004 could have been caused by the Stratum IVA or Stratum III earthquake.

Stratum XVIII Earthquake (End of Level J-4) - Early Bronze IB ca. 3000 BCE

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Fractured Walls	Site 1 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - ca. 3000 BCE (see Chapter 29) Lower limit - Late EB IB building (Level J-4, Stratum XVIII). Upper limit - Overlying walls of EB III temple are not fractured. end of 4th millennium BCE Early Bronze I Level J-4 (Stratum XVIII)	Figure 31.3D In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 31.3E In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 31.3F In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured Marco et. al. (2006)	In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock which should probably be related to the abandonment of the Level J-4 temple. - Marco et. al. (2006) At Megiddo, the only cases of structural damage that can be related to earthquakes with high certainty are the extension fractures in the walls of the Level J-4 temple and in the Late Bronze gate complex (Fig. 31.3h). - Marco et. al. (2006:569) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured Walls	Site 1 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 15 A suggested reconstruction for Stratum XVIII/Level J-4 Great Temple. JW: Wall 96/1 (with the fractures) is in the lower right (Courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Figure 14 The uncovered remains of Stratum XVIII/Level J-4 Great Temple JW: Dotted lines follow the suggested reconstruction in Fig. 15 above. This places fractured wall 96/1 in Square B-11 (Courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Figure 1 A plan of Megiddo, showing Area BB and Area J. JW: Round Altar 4017 is the area of interest with the fractured walls (Courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Figure 16 The sanctuary of the Great Temple, from the north JW: Use the round altar to find your way in the plans (Photo by P. Shrago; courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Aerial Shot of the part of the Tel that includes Area J click on image to open a magnifiable image in a new tab Drone Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 (taken from outside the park)	Level J-4 (Stratum XVIII)	Figure 40.1 Wall 96/J/1 in Square H-10, looking east. Note fracture along the strike on the edge of the wall. Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3)	Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3) echoes and concurs with Marco et. al. (2006) in viewing these as seismically induced fractures parallel to the edge of these monumental stone walls of the Level J-4 temple. JW: This rather severe crack looks like it was caused by the kind of shaking one finds in the epicentral zone. If this building had a foundation, there might have been fractures to the foundation. If this wall fracture did form in the epicentral zone, the causitive fault break would have been on a nearby segment(s) with the magnitude limited by the nature of the fault segments in this area.

Stratum VIIA Earthquake (?) - Late Bronze Age - after ~1200 BCE

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Fractured and Shifted Ashlar Stones	Site 3 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Post ca. 1200 BCE (possible construction of Chamber f). Could be mid-to-late 10th century event. Lower limit - Late Bronze gate and Chamber f Upper limit - Unknown 14th- 12th centuries BCE Late Bronze probably built in Stratum VIII and continued to function in Stratum VII	Figure 31.3H Extension cracks in the Late Bronze gate. Ashlar stones in courses in the middle of the walls (sandwiched between other courses) are fractured in opening mode. Horizontal sliding of the fragments occurred everywhere in the same direction, sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). The gate has no foundations, a fact that could have made it particularly vulnerable to seismic vibrations. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 2.12 The late Canaanite city-gate (Strata VIII-VII) Ussishkin (2011) LB city gate in area AA. Stern et al (1993 v. 3) Link to 3D scan of Canaanite Gate (east side) Link to 3D scan of Canaanite Gate (west side)	Extension cracks in the Late Bronze [aka Canaanite] gate. Ashlar stones in courses in the middle of the walls (sandwiched between other courses) are fractured in opening mode. Horizontal sliding of the fragments occurred everywhere in the same direction, sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). The gate has no foundations, a fact that could have made it particularly vulnerable to seismic vibrations. - Marco et. al. (2006) JW: Through-going joints can be observed in several parts of the gate (below the restoration line - see 3D scans) however the cracks could have formed for a long time after the gate was first built and if some of them have a seismic origin, they could be a product of multiple events. Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock postdating the two monuments. No upper limit — date unknown - Marco et. al. (2006) At Megiddo, the only cases of structural damage that can be related to earthquakes with high certainty are the extension fractures in the walls of the Level J-4 temple and in the Late Bronze gate complex (Fig. 31.3h). - Marco et. al. (2006:569) damage to the Late Bronze Age [...] buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured Roof Plate	Site 2 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Post ca. 1200 BCE (possible construction of Chamber f). Could be mid-to-late 10th century event. Lower limit - Late Bronze gate and Chamber f Upper limit - Unknown 13th-12th or late 1lth-10th centuries BCE Late Bronze II or late Iron I Level M-6 (Stratum VIIA) or Level M-4 (Stratum VIA)		Stone plates in the roof of Schumacher's Chamber f (see Chapter 5) are fractured at 90°. The chamber was never filled. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock postdating the two monuments. No upper limit — date unknown - Marco et. al. (2006) damage to the Late Bronze Age [...] buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)

Stratum VIA Earthquake (?) - Late Iron Age I ~950 BCE

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Folding and Liquefaction	Site 4 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. 12th or 10th centuries BCE - probably 10th Strata VIIA or VIA - probably VIA	Figure 31.3G Distorted and liquefied sand horizon in the western section of the Schumacher trench, excavated in the early 20th century. (Fig. 31.3g). Marco et. al. (2006)	Distorted and liquefied sand horizon in the western section of the Schumacher trench, excavated in the early 20th century. (Fig. 31.3g). - Marco et. al. (2006) Catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572) The observed liquefaction (Fig. 31.3g), which is a typical earthquake-induced feature, may be regarded supportive evidence, but unfortunately its age is not absolutely clear. - Marco et. al. (2006:569)
Fractures	Site 5b Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. Below the destruction layer of Level K-4 (Stratum VIA). Date of Level K-4 late 11th-10th centuries BCE Late-Iron I Level K-4 (Stratum VIA)		Area K, north section of Square M/11. A few joints appear 90 cm above the bottom of the excavation. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Folded Wall	Site 5a Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. late 11th-10th centuries BCE Late-Iron I Level K-4 (Stratum VIA)	Figure 31.3I A warped wall trending 220° in Area K is tilted to both sides 12°-15°. (Fig. 31.3i.) Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 2L A deformed, wall in Megiddo, part of a Late Iron Age, 8th century BC building (Marco et al., 2006). Site 10 in Fig. 1 Marco (2008)	A warped wall trending 220° in Area K is tilted to both sides 12°-15°. (Fig. 31.3i.) - Marco et. al. (2006) Pressure of accumulating earth is unlikely where the wall tilts inward. Probably catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) A deformed, wall in Megiddo, part of a Late Iron Age, 8th century BC building - Marco (2008) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Collapsed Walls	Site 6 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. late 11th-10th centuries BCE Late-Iron I Level M-4 (Stratum VIA)		In Upper Area M, Square AV/28 a pile of collapsed mudbrick is covered by a thick layer of ashes. Similar piles of brick collapse can be seen in many other places across the mound. - Marco et. al. (2006) Possibly catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572)

Stratum VA-IVB Earthquake - Early Iron Age II - between 835 and 830 BCE or a bit later

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Tilted Walls	Site 8 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 15:2 Plan of Stratum VA-IVB Ussishkin (2018) Megiddo: plan of the city and main buildings in strata VA-IVB and IVA. Stern et al (1993 v. 3)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE Iron II Stratum VA-IVB		The corner of Building 338 is tilted. The eastern wall, which strikes 008° is tilted 3° to the east. The southern wall, which strikes 278° is tilted 5° to the south. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Floor	Site 10 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 15:2 Plan of Stratum VA-IVB Ussishkin (2018) Megiddo: plan of the city and main buildings in strata VA-IVB and IVA. Stern et al (1993 v. 3)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE Iron II Levels L-3 (Stratum VA-IVB)	Figure 31.3A The south-western corner of Palace 6000 (Area L, Squares D/5, E/4-5) is tilted 3°-5° (top dipping to 250°-260° — Fig. 31.3a). In the northern baulk of Squares D-E/4, a white layer which belongs to the palace's floor make-up is also tilted. Immediately to the east, in the northern section of Square E/4, there are two fissures, each about 10-15 cm wide in the same floor make-up. The fissures are filled with grey unconsolidated soil that contains a few ceramic fragments. The white make-up for Floor 98/L/59 and plaster Floor 98/L/120 — both of the Level L-2 stables — are horizontal Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 2N An episode of tilting is exhibited by an angle between tilted stone floor and an overlying horizontal plaster floor in Megiddo. The stratigraphy shows that the tilting postdates the lower and predates the upper floor, but the precise time of construction is archaeologically indistinguishable. Both were built in the Iron Age II (9th century BC). Since the upper floor remained perfectly horizontal in the last 3 millennia we assume that the tilting of its precedent was rapid and exceptional, probably associated with an earthquake (Marco et al., 2006). Site 10 in Fig. 1 Marco (2008)	The south-western corner of Palace 6000 (Area L, Squares D/5, E/4-5) is tilted 3°-5° (top dipping to 250°-260° — Fig. 31.3a). In the northern baulk of Squares D-E/4, a white layer which belongs to the palace's floor make-up is also tilted. Immediately to the east, in the northern section of Square E/4, there are two fissures, each about 10-15 cm wide in the same floor make-up. The fissures are filled with grey unconsolidated soil that contains a few ceramic fragments. The white make-up for Floor 98/L/59 and plaster Floor 98/L/120 — both of the Level L-2 stables — are horizontal - Marco et. al. (2006) Large scale deformation. Could be either a slow process (because of pressure on the westward slope) or a catastrophic one. - Marco et. al. (2006) An episode of tilting is exhibited by an angle between tilted stone floor and an overlying horizontal plaster floor in Megiddo. The stratigraphy shows that the tilting postdates the lower and predates the upper floor, but the precise time of construction is archaeologically indistinguishable. Both were built in the Iron Age II (9th century BC). Since the upper floor remained perfectly horizontal in the last 3 millennia we assume that the tilting of its precedent was rapid and exceptional, probably associated with an earthquake (Marco et al., 2006). Site 10 in Fig. 1. - Marco (2008) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Columns	Site 7 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 15:2 Plan of Stratum VA-IVB Ussishkin (2018) Megiddo: plan of the city and main buildings in strata VA-IVB and IVA. Stern et al (1993 v. 3)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE Iron II Stratum VA-IVB	Figure 31.3B A group of six pillars in Building 1A (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 6) are all tilted 8°-11° to the west (265°-295°). (Fig. 31.3b). Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 2M Leaning Iron Age II (9th century BC) columns in Megiddo (Marco et al., 2006). The supports at the bottom are modern. Site 10 in Fig. 1 Marco (2008) View of the three tilted pillar using digital theodolite with theodolite orinted flat Digital Theodolite Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 View of the three tilted pillar using digital theodolite to estimate tilt on central Pillar. Tilt estimate is 8.2°. Digital Theodolite Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 Tilt direction estimate using iPhone Compass and square wood dowel spanning two of the columns. Direction estimate of Azimuth is 288°. Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 Link to 3D scan of 3 tilted pillars (Site 7)	A group of six pillars in Building 1A (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 6) are all tilted 8°-11° to the west (265°-295°). (Fig. 31.3b). - Marco et. al. (2006) Measurements taken by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 found the center column tilting 8.2° to the west (288°) in good agreement with Marco et. al. (2006). Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Leaning Iron Age II (9th century BC) columns in Megiddo (Marco et al., 2006). The supports at the bottom are modern - Marco (2008) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Collapsed Walls	Site 9 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE or early 8th century BCE Iron II Level H-5 (Stratum VA-IVB) or an early phase of Stratum IVA		An ash horizon overlain by collapsed mud-bricks in Area H. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)

Stratum IVA Earthquake - after ca. 800 BCE

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Tilted and Faulted Staircase	Site 12 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 389 JW: Staircase is upper right - see closeup Loud (1948) Figure 389 Closeup Loud (1948) Fig. 18:1 Plan of Stratum IVA Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 800 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 700 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA. Upper limit - Unknown 8th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA	Figure 31.3C Staircase leading from the Iron II gate complex to a water system reservoir (Loud 1948: Fig. 389, Square H/10) is tilted 9°/000°. The staircase is built on a steep slope. (Fig. 31.3c). Marco et. al. (2006) Link to 3D scan of faulted staircase Link to 3D scan of faulted staircase (closeup)	Staircase leading from the Iron II gate complex to a water system/reservoir (Loud 1948: Fig. 389, Square H/10) is tilted 9°/000°. The staircase is built on a steep slope. (Fig. 31.3c). - Marco et. al. (2006) Could be either a slow down-slope slide or a catastrophic process. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains. No upper limit. - Marco et. al. (2006) biblical evidence for a major earthquake in ca. 760 BCE (Amos 1:1) seems to indicate that the damage in the buildings of Stratum IVA should indeed be assigned to the 8th century BCE. - Marco et. al. (2006:573) damage to [...] 8th century (Stratum IVA) buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Wall	Site 11 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 18:1 Plan of Stratum IVA Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 800 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 700 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA. Upper limit - Unknown 8th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA		In the courtyard of the Southern Stables, the westernmost (trend 010°-190°) wall is tilted 18° westward. This wall supported a fill several metres deep (see Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 43), which had been laid under the surface of the courtyard and which was cleared in the course of the University of Chicago excavations. The present height of the wall is 80 cm. - Marco et. al. (2006) Outward pressure of the fill. Could be either a slow or a catastrophic process. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains. No upper limit. - Marco et. al. (2006) biblical evidence for a major earthquake in ca. 760 BCE (Amos 1:1) seems to indicate that the damage in the buildings of Stratum IVA should indeed be assigned to the 8th century BCE. - Marco et. al. (2006:573) damage to [...] 8th century (Stratum IVA) buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured bedrock	Site 13 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 18:1 Plan of Stratum IVA Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 800 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 700 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA. Upper limit - Unknown 8th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA		Faults and joints in the bedrock in rock-cut Tunnel 1000 of the water system. The bedrock is composed of limestone and chalk with scattered chert nodules; Eocene Maresha Formation. - Marco et. al. (2006) Could be a slow and/or a catastrophic process. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains. No upper limit. - Marco et. al. (2006) biblical evidence for a major earthquake in ca. 760 BCE (Amos 1:1) seems to indicate that the damage in the buildings of Stratum IVA should indeed be assigned to the 8th century BCE. - Marco et. al. (2006:573) damage to [...] 8th century (Stratum IVA) buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured Walls	Site 14 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 18:1 Plan of Stratum IVA Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE or Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA or Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 8th or 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA or III	Figure 77 Stratum III Storage Pit 1414 Lamon and Shipton (1939)	The walls of Silo 1414 (Lamon and Shipton 1939:77) are lined with stones (mostly limestone and some basalt) that are up to 0.5 m in diameter. Many of the limestone stones are fractured and some are even shattered in various orientations. There is no dominant orientation and there is no relation between the original bedding planes and the fractures. Most of the basalt stones are not fractured. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains - no upper limit OR Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006)
Destruction and Collapse Layer	Area H Figure 5.25 Plan of Level H-5 Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1) Fig. 5.1 Excavation areas of the Tel Aviv University expedition Ussishkin (2018) Megiddo: map of the site, showing excavation areas Stern et al (2008 v. 5)	8th century BCE (?) Iron IIA Level H-5 (Stratum VA-IVB)	Figure 5.27 The southern section of Area H with Level H-5 destruction in the centre of the picture (note the sloping down of the Level H-5 floor toward Installation 06/H/14 in the right) and Level H-7 floors, looking south. Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1) Figure 5.28 Destruction debris on Floor 98/H/62 of Level H-5, looking west. Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)	Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1) reported on a destruction layer in Level H-5 which correlates with Stratum VA-IVB. The most significant evidence for collapse and destruction is located in the southern parts of the area may testify that a building stood right to the south of Area H. Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1) noted that the destruction of this city was not complete and certain parts of the mound did not show evidence of destruction by fire (Finkelstein 2009: 117). Knauf (2002:2) reports that the occupation of Phase H5a [which correlates to Stratum IVA] was terminated by an earthquake, which cracked the city wall and strewed parts of walls of these southern buildings all over Area H.

Stratum III Earthquake - after ca. 700 BCE

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Fractured Walls	Site 14 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 19:3 Plan of Stratum III, after Ze'ev Herzog Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE or Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA or Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 8th or 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA or III	Figure 77 Stratum III Storage Pit 1414 Lamon and Shipton (1939)	The walls of Silo 1414 (Lamon and Shipton 1939:77) are lined with stones (mostly limestone and some basalt) that are up to 0.5 m in diameter. Many of the limestone stones are fractured and some are even shattered in various orientations. There is no dominant orientation and there is no relation between the original bedding planes and the fractures. Most of the basalt stones are not fractured. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains - no upper limit OR Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006)
Tilted Pillar	Site 15 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 72 Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B JW: Building 1513 is in top left corner - see closeup Lamon and Shipton (1939) Figure 72 Closeup Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B Lamon and Shipton (1939) Fig. 19:3 Plan of Stratum III, after Ze'ev Herzog Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum III		A stone pillar (1 x 0.3 x 0.3 m) located north of the northern wall of the southern stables courtyard (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 72, Building 1513), is tilted 12° (top dipping to 275°). - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably slow sinking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006) the classification of the damage in the Stratum III structures as evidence for a quake is probable but not sure. - Marco et. al. (2006:572-573)
Tilted and partially collapsed wall	Site 16 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 72 Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B JW: Building 1513 is in top left corner - see closeup Lamon and Shipton (1939) Figure 72 Closeup Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B Lamon and Shipton (1939) Fig. 19:3 Plan of Stratum III, after Ze'ev Herzog Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum III		Three ashlars in a row, located to the north of the northern wall of the Southern Stables courtyard (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 72, Building 1513, wall between Rooms 1512 and 1513), are tilted eastward. The easternmost one dips 22° (top dipping to 280°), the middle one fell eastward on a heap of small stones, and the western one is tilted 5° ( top dipping to 90°). - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006) the classification of the damage in the Stratum III structures as evidence for a quake is probable but not sure. - Marco et. al. (2006:572-573)
Folded Wall	Site 17 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 19:3 Plan of Stratum III, after Ze'ev Herzog Ussishkin (2018)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum III		A west-striking wall in Assyrian Palace 1369 is bent northward along ca. 5 m. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably slow sinking, perhaps outward pressure due to flow of soil. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006) the classification of the damage in the Stratum III structures as evidence for a quake is probable but not sure. - Marco et. al. (2006:572-573)

All Earthquakes

**Seismic Effects**
Seismic Effects	Location	Dating Info	Image(s)	Description
Fractured Walls	Site 1 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - ca. 3000 BCE (see Chapter 29) Lower limit - Late EB IB building (Level J-4, Stratum XVIII). Upper limit - Overlying walls of EB III temple are not fractured. end of 4th millennium BCE Early Bronze I Level J-4 (Stratum XVIII)	Figure 31.3D In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 31.3E In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 31.3F In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured Marco et. al. (2006)	In Area J, the monumental walls of the Level J-4 temple are fractured in several places along their strike (Fig. 31.3d) as well as perpendicular to the strike (Figs. 31.3e-f). The overlying walls of the EB III temple 4050 are not fractured. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock which should probably be related to the abandonment of the Level J-4 temple. - Marco et. al. (2006) At Megiddo, the only cases of structural damage that can be related to earthquakes with high certainty are the extension fractures in the walls of the Level J-4 temple and in the Late Bronze gate complex (Fig. 31.3h). - Marco et. al. (2006:569) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured Walls	Site 1 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 15 A suggested reconstruction for Stratum XVIII/Level J-4 Great Temple. JW: Wall 96/1 (with the fractures) is in the lower right (Courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Figure 14 The uncovered remains of Stratum XVIII/Level J-4 Great Temple JW: Dotted lines follow the suggested reconstruction in Fig. 15 above. This places fractured wall 96/1 in Square B-11 (Courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Figure 1 A plan of Megiddo, showing Area BB and Area J. JW: Round Altar 4017 is the area of interest with the fractured walls (Courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Figure 16 The sanctuary of the Great Temple, from the north JW: Use the round altar to find your way in the plans (Photo by P. Shrago; courtesy of the Megiddo Expedition, the Institute of Archaeology, Tel Aviv University) Ussishkin (2015) Aerial Shot of the part of the Tel that includes Area J click on image to open a magnifiable image in a new tab Drone Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 (taken from outside the park)	Level J-4 (Stratum XVIII)	Figure 40.1 Wall 96/J/1 in Square H-10, looking east. Note fracture along the strike on the edge of the wall. Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3)	Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 3) echoes and concurs with Marco et. al. (2006) in viewing these as seismically induced fractures parallel to the edge of these monumental stone walls of the Level J-4 temple. JW: This rather severe crack looks like it was caused by the kind of shaking one finds in the epicentral zone. If this building had a foundation, there might have been fractures to the foundation. If this wall fracture did form in the epicentral zone, the causitive fault break would have been on a nearby segment(s) with the magnitude limited by the nature of the fault segments in this area.
Fractured and Shifted Ashlar Stones	Site 3 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Post ca. 1200 BCE (possible construction of Chamber f). Could be mid-to-late 10th century event. Lower limit - Late Bronze gate and Chamber f Upper limit - Unknown 14th- 12th centuries BCE Late Bronze probably built in Stratum VIII and continued to function in Stratum VII	Figure 31.3H Extension cracks in the Late Bronze gate. Ashlar stones in courses in the middle of the walls (sandwiched between other courses) are fractured in opening mode. Horizontal sliding of the fragments occurred everywhere in the same direction, sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). The gate has no foundations, a fact that could have made it particularly vulnerable to seismic vibrations. Marco et. al. (2006) Fig. 2.12 The late Canaanite city-gate (Strata VIII-VII) Ussishkin (2011) Link to 3D scan of Canaanite Gate (east side) Link to 3D scan of Canaanite Gate (west side)	Extension cracks in the Late Bronze [aka Canaanite] gate. Ashlar stones in courses in the middle of the walls (sandwiched between other courses) are fractured in opening mode. Horizontal sliding of the fragments occurred everywhere in the same direction, sub-parallel to N-S trend of the wall (Fig. 31.3h). The gate has no foundations, a fact that could have made it particularly vulnerable to seismic vibrations. - Marco et. al. (2006) JW: Through-going joints can be observed in several parts of the gate (below the restoration line - see 3D scans) however the cracks could have formed for a long time after the gate was first built and if some of them have a seismic origin, they could be a product of multiple events. Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock postdating the two monuments. No upper limit — date unknown - Marco et. al. (2006) At Megiddo, the only cases of structural damage that can be related to earthquakes with high certainty are the extension fractures in the walls of the Level J-4 temple and in the Late Bronze gate complex (Fig. 31.3h). - Marco et. al. (2006:569) damage to the Late Bronze Age [...] buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured Roof Plate	Site 2 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Post ca. 1200 BCE (possible construction of Chamber f). Could be mid-to-late 10th century event. Lower limit - Late Bronze gate and Chamber f Upper limit - Unknown 13th-12th or late 1lth-10th centuries BCE Late Bronze II or late Iron I Level M-6 (Stratum VIIA) or Level M-4 (Stratum VIA)		Stone plates in the roof of Schumacher's Chamber f (see Chapter 5) are fractured at 90°. The chamber was never filled. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock postdating the two monuments. No upper limit — date unknown - Marco et. al. (2006) damage to the Late Bronze Age [...] buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Folding and Liquefaction	Site 4 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. 12th or 10th centuries BCE - probably 10th Strata VIIA or VIA - probably VIA	Figure 31.3G Distorted and liquefied sand horizon in the western section of the Schumacher trench, excavated in the early 20th century. (Fig. 31.3g). Marco et. al. (2006)	Distorted and liquefied sand horizon in the western section of the Schumacher trench, excavated in the early 20th century. (Fig. 31.3g). - Marco et. al. (2006) Catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572) The observed liquefaction (Fig. 31.3g), which is a typical earthquake-induced feature, may be regarded supportive evidence, but unfortunately its age is not absolutely clear. - Marco et. al. (2006:569)
Fractures	Site 5b Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. Below the destruction layer of Level K-4 (Stratum VIA). Date of Level K-4 late 11th-10th centuries BCE Late-Iron I Level K-4 (Stratum VIA)		Area K, north section of Square M/11. A few joints appear 90 cm above the bottom of the excavation. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Folded Wall	Site 5a Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. late 11th-10th centuries BCE Late-Iron I Level K-4 (Stratum VIA)	Figure 31.3I A warped wall trending 220° in Area K is tilted to both sides 12°-15°. (Fig. 31.3i.) Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 2L A deformed, wall in Megiddo, part of a Late Iron Age, 8th century BC building (Marco et al., 2006). Site 10 in Fig. 1 Marco (2008)	A warped wall trending 220° in Area K is tilted to both sides 12°-15°. (Fig. 31.3i.) - Marco et. al. (2006) Pressure of accumulating earth is unlikely where the wall tilts inward. Probably catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) A deformed, wall in Megiddo, part of a Late Iron Age, 8th century BC building - Marco (2008) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Collapsed Walls	Site 6 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Mid-to-late 10th century Lower limit - Late-Iron I buildings (Level K-4 and M-4, Stratum VIA) Upper limit - Collapse of brick walls throughout the mound. late 11th-10th centuries BCE Late-Iron I Level M-4 (Stratum VIA)		In Upper Area M, Square AV/28 a pile of collapsed mudbrick is covered by a thick layer of ashes. Similar piles of brick collapse can be seen in many other places across the mound. - Marco et. al. (2006) Possibly catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock, which possibly brought about the destruction of Stratum VIA. This is the opinion shared by Marco, Agnon and Finkelstein. Ussishkin believes that Stratum VIA must have been destroyed in an enemy attack - Marco et. al. (2006) Another event, which brought about the end of Stratum VIA, is probable but not conclusive (see Chapter 7). - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Walls	Site 8 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE Iron II Stratum VA-IVB		The corner of Building 338 is tilted. The eastern wall, which strikes 008° is tilted 3° to the east. The southern wall, which strikes 278° is tilted 5° to the south. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Floor	Site 10 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE Iron II Levels L-3 (Stratum VA-IVB)	Figure 31.3A The south-western corner of Palace 6000 (Area L, Squares D/5, E/4-5) is tilted 3°-5° (top dipping to 250°-260° — Fig. 31.3a). In the northern baulk of Squares D-E/4, a white layer which belongs to the palace's floor make-up is also tilted. Immediately to the east, in the northern section of Square E/4, there are two fissures, each about 10-15 cm wide in the same floor make-up. The fissures are filled with grey unconsolidated soil that contains a few ceramic fragments. The white make-up for Floor 98/L/59 and plaster Floor 98/L/120 — both of the Level L-2 stables — are horizontal Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 2N An episode of tilting is exhibited by an angle between tilted stone floor and an overlying horizontal plaster floor in Megiddo. The stratigraphy shows that the tilting postdates the lower and predates the upper floor, but the precise time of construction is archaeologically indistinguishable. Both were built in the Iron Age II (9th century BC). Since the upper floor remained perfectly horizontal in the last 3 millennia we assume that the tilting of its precedent was rapid and exceptional, probably associated with an earthquake (Marco et al., 2006). Site 10 in Fig. 1 Marco (2008)	The south-western corner of Palace 6000 (Area L, Squares D/5, E/4-5) is tilted 3°-5° (top dipping to 250°-260° — Fig. 31.3a). In the northern baulk of Squares D-E/4, a white layer which belongs to the palace's floor make-up is also tilted. Immediately to the east, in the northern section of Square E/4, there are two fissures, each about 10-15 cm wide in the same floor make-up. The fissures are filled with grey unconsolidated soil that contains a few ceramic fragments. The white make-up for Floor 98/L/59 and plaster Floor 98/L/120 — both of the Level L-2 stables — are horizontal - Marco et. al. (2006) Large scale deformation. Could be either a slow process (because of pressure on the westward slope) or a catastrophic one. - Marco et. al. (2006) An episode of tilting is exhibited by an angle between tilted stone floor and an overlying horizontal plaster floor in Megiddo. The stratigraphy shows that the tilting postdates the lower and predates the upper floor, but the precise time of construction is archaeologically indistinguishable. Both were built in the Iron Age II (9th century BC). Since the upper floor remained perfectly horizontal in the last 3 millennia we assume that the tilting of its precedent was rapid and exceptional, probably associated with an earthquake (Marco et al., 2006). Site 10 in Fig. 1. - Marco (2008) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Columns	Site 7 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE Iron II Stratum VA-IVB	Figure 31.3B A group of six pillars in Building 1A (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 6) are all tilted 8°-11° to the west (265°-295°). (Fig. 31.3b). Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 2M Leaning Iron Age II (9th century BC) columns in Megiddo (Marco et al., 2006). The supports at the bottom are modern. Site 10 in Fig. 1 Marco (2008) View of the three tilted pillar using digital theodolite with theodolite orinted flat Digital Theodolite Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 View of the three tilted pillar using digital theodolite to estimate tilt on central Pillar. Tilt estimate is 8.2°. Digital Theodolite Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 Tilt direction estimate using iPhone Compass and square wood dowel spanning two of the columns. Direction estimate of Azimuth is 288°. Photo by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 Link to 3D scan of 3 tilted pillars (Site 7)	A group of six pillars in Building 1A (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 6) are all tilted 8°-11° to the west (265°-295°). (Fig. 31.3b). - Marco et. al. (2006) Measurements taken by Jefferson Williams on 27 April 2023 found the center column tilting 8.2° to the west (288°) in good agreement with Marco et. al. (2006). Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Leaning Iron Age II (9th century BC) columns in Megiddo (Marco et al., 2006). The supports at the bottom are modern - Marco (2008) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Collapsed Walls	Site 9 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Between 835 and 800 BCE (possibly a bit later?) Lower limit - Early Iron II buildings (Stratum VA-IVB) Upper limit - Level L-2 (Stratum IVA) northern stables undamaged 9th century BCE or early 8th century BCE Iron II Level H-5 (Stratum VA-IVB) or an early phase of Stratum IVA		An ash horizon overlain by collapsed mud-bricks in Area H. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Shock between the end of Stratum VA-IVB and the construction of the northern stables of Stratum IVA. - Marco et. al. (2006) Two earthquake events at Megiddo are beyond doubt: one at the end of the fourth millennium BCE (for relevance to the history of the site in the Early Bronze Age see Chapter 3) and another in the 9th century BCE (which caused the damage in Stratum VA-IVB) - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted and Faulted Staircase	Site 12 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 389 JW: Staircase is upper right - see closeup Loud (1948) Figure 389 Closeup Loud (1948)	Event - Postdating ca. 800 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 700 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA. Upper limit - Unknown 8th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA	Figure 31.3C Staircase leading from the Iron II gate complex to a water system reservoir (Loud 1948: Fig. 389, Square H/10) is tilted 9°/000°. The staircase is built on a steep slope. (Fig. 31.3c). Marco et. al. (2006) Link to 3D scan of faulted staircase Link to 3D scan of faulted staircase (closeup)	Staircase leading from the Iron II gate complex to a water system/reservoir (Loud 1948: Fig. 389, Square H/10) is tilted 9°/000°. The staircase is built on a steep slope. (Fig. 31.3c). - Marco et. al. (2006) Could be either a slow down-slope slide or a catastrophic process. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains. No upper limit. - Marco et. al. (2006) biblical evidence for a major earthquake in ca. 760 BCE (Amos 1:1) seems to indicate that the damage in the buildings of Stratum IVA should indeed be assigned to the 8th century BCE. - Marco et. al. (2006:573) damage to [...] 8th century (Stratum IVA) buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Tilted Wall	Site 11 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Postdating ca. 800 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 700 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA. Upper limit - Unknown 8th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA		In the courtyard of the Southern Stables, the westernmost (trend 010°-190°) wall is tilted 18° westward. This wall supported a fill several metres deep (see Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 43), which had been laid under the surface of the courtyard and which was cleared in the course of the University of Chicago excavations. The present height of the wall is 80 cm. - Marco et. al. (2006) Outward pressure of the fill. Could be either a slow or a catastrophic process. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains. No upper limit. - Marco et. al. (2006) biblical evidence for a major earthquake in ca. 760 BCE (Amos 1:1) seems to indicate that the damage in the buildings of Stratum IVA should indeed be assigned to the 8th century BCE. - Marco et. al. (2006:573) damage to [...] 8th century (Stratum IVA) buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Fractured bedrock	Site 13 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Postdating ca. 800 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 700 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA. Upper limit - Unknown 8th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA		Faults and joints in the bedrock in rock-cut Tunnel 1000 of the water system. The bedrock is composed of limestone and chalk with scattered chert nodules; Eocene Maresha Formation. - Marco et. al. (2006) Could be a slow and/or a catastrophic process. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains. No upper limit. - Marco et. al. (2006) biblical evidence for a major earthquake in ca. 760 BCE (Amos 1:1) seems to indicate that the damage in the buildings of Stratum IVA should indeed be assigned to the 8th century BCE. - Marco et. al. (2006:573) damage to [...] 8th century (Stratum IVA) buildings could have been caused in later periods. - Marco et. al. (2006:572)
Destruction and Collapse Layer	Area H Figure 5.25 Plan of Level H-5 Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)	8th century BCE (?) Iron IIA Level H-5 (Stratum VA-IVB)	Figure 5.27 The southern section of Area H with Level H-5 destruction in the centre of the picture (note the sloping down of the Level H-5 floor toward Installation 06/H/14 in the right) and Level H-7 floors, looking south. Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1) Figure 5.28 Destruction debris on Floor 98/H/62 of Level H-5, looking west. Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1)	Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1:270-272) reported on a destruction layer in Level H-5 which correlates with Stratum VA-IVB. The most significant evidence for collapse and destruction is located in the southern parts of the area may testify that a building stood right to the south of Area H. Eran Arie in Finkelstein et al. (2013 Vol. 1:270-272) noted that the destruction of this city was not complete and certain parts of the mound did not show evidence of destruction by fire (Finkelstein 2009: 117). Knauf (2002:2) reports that the occupation of Phase H5a [which correlates to Stratum IVA] was terminated by an earthquake, which cracked the city wall and strewed parts of walls of these southern buildings all over Area H.
Fractured Walls	Site 14 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE or Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Remains belonging to Stratum IVA or Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 8th or 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum IVA or III	Figure 77 Stratum III Storage Pit 1414 Lamon and Shipton (1939)	The walls of Silo 1414 (Lamon and Shipton 1939:77) are lined with stones (mostly limestone and some basalt) that are up to 0.5 m in diameter. Many of the limestone stones are fractured and some are even shattered in various orientations. There is no dominant orientation and there is no relation between the original bedding planes and the fractures. Most of the basalt stones are not fractured. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating the relevant remains - no upper limit OR Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006)
Tilted Pillar	Site 15 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 72 Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B JW: Building 1513 is in top left corner - see closeup Lamon and Shipton (1939) Figure 72 Closeup Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B Lamon and Shipton (1939)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum III		A stone pillar (1 x 0.3 x 0.3 m) located north of the northern wall of the southern stables courtyard (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 72, Building 1513), is tilted 12° (top dipping to 275°). - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably slow sinking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006) the classification of the damage in the Stratum III structures as evidence for a quake is probable but not sure. - Marco et. al. (2006:572-573)
Tilted and partially collapsed wall	Site 16 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006) Figure 72 Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B JW: Building 1513 is in top left corner - see closeup Lamon and Shipton (1939) Figure 72 Closeup Plan of Area A, Stratum III (cf. Fig, 115) Numbers in parentheses belong to Stratum III B Lamon and Shipton (1939)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum III		Three ashlars in a row, located to the north of the northern wall of the Southern Stables courtyard (Lamon and Shipton 1939: Fig. 72, Building 1513, wall between Rooms 1512 and 1513), are tilted eastward. The easternmost one dips 22° (top dipping to 280°), the middle one fell eastward on a heap of small stones, and the western one is tilted 5° ( top dipping to 90°). - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably catastrophic horizontal shaking. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006) the classification of the damage in the Stratum III structures as evidence for a quake is probable but not sure. - Marco et. al. (2006:572-573)
Folded Wall	Site 17 Fig. 31.2 Location map of deformed structures at Megiddo. Arrows indicate direction of shaking. Stars mark deformation that cannot be associated with a particular sense of movement. Marco et. al. (2006)	Event - Postdating ca. 700 BCE. Could be assigned to Postdating ca. 800 BCE event Lower limit - Structures of Stratum III Upper limit - Unknown 7th century BCE Iron II Stratum III		A west-striking wall in Assyrian Palace 1369 is bent northward along ca. 5 m. - Marco et. al. (2006) Probably slow sinking, perhaps outward pressure due to flow of soil. - Marco et. al. (2006) Interpretation - Possible shock postdating Stratum III. - Marco et. al. (2006) the classification of the damage in the Stratum III structures as evidence for a quake is probable but not sure. - Marco et. al. (2006:572-573)

Stratum XVIII Earthquake (End of Level J-4) - Early Bronze IB ca. 3000 BCE

Modified by JW from Fig. 31.2 of Marco et. al. (2006)