Water System Vertical Shaft

View looking down the 100 ft. [30 m.] deep vertical shaft that leads down to the horizontal tunnel that in turn leads to the spring near Megiddo.  The stairs (183!) and railings are of course modern.  This system is located on the western side of Megiddo — near the city wall.

Evidently the Israelite king Ahab (874–853 B.C.) constructed this system.  The purpose was to ensure that the inhabitants of Megiddo would be able to secure drinking water without having to go outside the city walls.  This was especially critical in times of siege — and during Ahab’s day the Assyrians were beginning to threaten his kingdom.

For a brief description of Israelite Megiddo and a map Click Here.