Celebrating 100 years since the excavation of Megiddo

An ivory plaque with a female sphinx holding a cup, discovered at Megdo. Courtesy of ISAC Museum.

By March 15, 2026
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) Museum
Chicago, IL
isac.uchicago.edu

As the shovel hits the ground, excavations at the site of ancient Megdo in northern Israel have, in many ways, defined biblical archeology. With Magdo marking the centennial of the first major archaeological expedition, the ISAC Museum at the University of Chicago is marking the occasion with a special exhibition, Magdo: A City Discovered, A Ghost Concept.

A major Canaanite and later Israelite city, Megdo often played an important role in the stories and events of the Hebrew Bible. However, it is perhaps best remembered for its appearance as the infamous site of Armageddon, in the New Testament book of Revelation. Although this biblical history played an important role in original DIG Director Clarence Fisher’s decision to excavate the site, these excavations made their own history in establishing archaeological methods and approaches, as well as revealing the site to be far more interesting than its original excavators might have expected.

The twin heads of gold at Megdo possibly represent the Egyptian goddess Hathor with spoons. Courtesy of ISAC Museum.

As the exhibition’s curator, Kirsten Newman, explains Bible History Daily:

[This exhibit] Marks the centenary of ISAC’s first major expedition, a project that laid the foundation for archeology in the southern Levant. Over 14 seasons, the Megdo Expedition uncovered 20 cities and created the most influential archaeological record of its time. But the story didn’t end at the site. Through artifacts, archival records, and original newspaper and magazine features, this exhibition reveals how discoveries at Megdo turned into headlines that gained global attention and shaped public understanding of the ancient Near East.

In addition to examining the artifacts uncovered in these early excavations, the exhibition explores the imaginary world they created by presenting magazine covers and newspaper articles that unfold as they tell the story of the excavations. Visitors also go behind the scenes to see how exploration was done and how it was circulated. Directors’ correspondence, archival photographs, and remarkable artifacts trace the century-long journey from excavation to exhibition.

A view of part of the Magdo exhibition at the ISAC Museum. Courtesy of ISAC Museum.

Become a BAS All Access member now!

Read on A Review of Biblical Archaeology Online, explore 50 years Barwatch videos, participate in conversations, and more

In related reading Bible History Daily

Nico and Josiah at Megdo

Twenty years in Megdo

A further Roman legion camp at Megiddo revealed

All Access Members, read more at BAS Library

Megdo, Israel

Magdo Mosaic

King Solomon’s Stables – Still in Megdo?