Water System Descent Into

Students descending down a steep diagonal portion of the shaft that leads down to the horizontal tunnel.  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.

 

This image courtesy of Jerry Hawkes.

 

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