Archaeologists excavating in the ancient Canaanite city of Megiddo, located in northern Israel, have unearthed an undisturbed tomb dating to the 17th century BC. The discovery of the tomb came as a surprise when excavators noticed cracks in the stones at the site and dirt falling into an unseen chasm below. An investigation revealed it was an underground passage leading to the tomb, which was located next to the late Middle Bronze Age royal palace. Within the tomb were the remains of multiple individuals, including three that were found undisturbed. These remains belonged to a child aged 8-10 years old, a woman in her mid-30s, and a man who was between 40 and 60 years old. Their bodies were adorned with gold and silver rings, brooches, bracelets and pins. The man was found wearing a gold necklace and diadem. In light of the wealth of the artifacts, the size of the tomb, and the fact that it was located next to the royal palace, archaeologists have suggested these may be the remains of an elite or royal family. Researchers are now conducting a DNA analysis of these remains and comparing them to the results of a DNA analysis of remains found in common tombs at Megiddo.
Off-site Links:
- https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/03/megiddo-armageddon-dna-royal-burial-canaan-archaeology/
- http://blog.bibleplaces.com/2018/03/undisturbed-canaanite-tomb-discovered.html
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/3600-year-old-tomb-found-next-canaanite-palace-might-contain-remains-royal-family-180968487/
