Because it’s difficult to keep all the different sections of the tel straight, it’s worthwhile to pick up the guide to the site at the ticket window for NIS.50. Major finds include the Temple of Astarte (1900 BC), ancient stables for some 480 horses, an underground tunnel, the Gate of Solomon (1600 BC), and a 70 by 75 ft. palace dating from the second half of the 12th century AD. A small museum near the entrance contains exhibits explaining the various layers of excavations and a model of Solomon’s chariot town. There’s also a list of the many biblical references to Migiddo as well.

From the observation point at the site, you can look out over the Valley of Jezreel (Eniek Yizre’et) which was mostly swamp until 1920, when Jewish immigrants drained the land and made it arable. The lone mountain in the distance is Mt. Tabor; ^so visible are the hills of Nazareth and the Gilboa range.