First Roman amphitheater and gold unearthed in Armageddon
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In the heart of northern Israel lies a place that resonates deeply in the annals of history and biblical prophecy – Armageddon, the fabled city known for its apocalyptic connotations.
For years, archaeologists have been drawn to this site, with its layers of human civilization stretching back to the Neolithic era. Recent excavations have unearthed a remarkable discovery as revealed by USC Dornsife in a press release, shedding light on the lives of Roman soldiers and their pursuit of entertainment amid unfamiliar lands.
A glimpse into Roman military life
In 1902, archaeologist Gottlieb Schumacher began his exploration of Megiddo, the ancient city beneath the shadows of Armageddon.
While his focus initially centered on Megiddo, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the surrounding area, unearthing evidence of Roman occupation and an enigmatic circular depression. Scholars later speculated that this depression might have been a military amphitheater, and it wasn't until 2013 that an official excavation began, confirming their hypotheses.
The spotlight fell on the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, where historians and archaeologists set out to prove the existence of the Roman military amphitheater. Led by the accomplished historian and archaeologist Mark Letteney, the team delved into the excavation with fervor.
This year marked a significant milestone as the scholars successfully validated their hypothesis – the Southern Levant now boasts the distinction of housing the first-ever Roman military amphitheater found in the region.
Unveiling the past, one artifact at a time
The excavation uncovered a trove of insights into the life of the Legio VI Ferrata (the 6th Ironclad Legion), the guardians of Rome's interests in the Province of Judea.
Military amphitheaters, like the one discovered, served as multifunctional spaces for training, speeches, and recreation. "When soldiers are the occupying force, far from home, and don’t speak the local language, they don’t have a lot of outlets. So, they played games and put on public events for entertainment," explained Letteney.
The site's historical layers fascinated researchers. Before its transformation into an amphitheater, locals mined clay for ceramics, and the Romans likely repurposed this clay for their base's construction materials.
As time passed, the pit evolved into a central feature, with the Romans ingeniously repurposing it into an amphitheater, complete with stone seating and access gates.
The amphitheater's origins, including the hypothesis that it was first an excavation site, await further confirmation through meticulous clay analysis.
Krysta Fauria, a first-year religion PhD student embarked on her first archaeological journey with Letteney's encouragement and support. Fauria's significant contribution came in the form of a glittering discovery – an exquisitely preserved gold coin from 245 AD, dating back to Emperor Diocletian's reign.
“I struck loose some dirt, and this shiny coin appeared. Everybody just kind of gathered around; it was a really crazy thing,” Fauria said. “Being in Israel and Palestine, you realize that it’s important for people who study this to go, even though obviously we’re separated by a lot of time, to get a feel for the geography and the climate.”
This serendipitous find dating from 245 AD not only added a touch of allure to the excavation but also offered critical dating insights.
As the excavations continue, Letteney and his team remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge. Their efforts will paint a more detailed picture of the construction techniques employed by Roman engineers nearly two millennia ago.
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