Saturday, December 2, 2023
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us
Archaeology News Online Magazine
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News Online Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home News Archaeology

Archaeologists uncover Roman military amphitheater with blood-red walls near ‘Armageddon’

Dario Radley by Dario Radley
August 26, 2023
Share on FacebookShare on Linkedin.Share on RedditShare on WhatsappShare on Tumblr

Archaeologists in Israel have made a significant discovery at Legio, an ancient Roman military base from the second century, revealing a unique blood-red amphitheater designed for military combat training.

Archaeologists uncover Roman military amphitheater with blood-red walls near 'Armageddon'
An aerial view of the amphitheater. Credit: Matthew J. Adams

Located near Megiddo, also known as Armageddon, where the Christian Bible predicts a battle at the end of the world, the 1,800-year-old Roman camp lies beneath the fields of Kibbutz Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley.

Legio was initially rediscovered between 1998 and 2000, and further excavations have taken place since 2010, uncovering various structures within the military base. However, during the 2023 excavation season, archaeologists focused on the Principia, an administrative center with religious structures.

Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which noninvasively surveys underground features using high-frequency radio waves, researchers mapped out the site’s layout and explored the amphitheater and cemetery outside the base’s walls.

Archaeologists uncover Roman military amphitheater with blood-red walls near 'Armageddon'
The ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system is towed on a vehicle at Legio. Credit: Matthew J. Adams

The Roman amphitheater, painted in distinctive blood-red, stands as a rare find in the region, differing from the typical amphitheaters meant for public entertainment.

RelatedStories

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

November 20, 2023

This structure was reserved for troop combat training and had two phases, indicated by the exposed circular stone walls. The team’s excavation also revealed evidence of cultic activity within the gate of the amphitheater, including numerous lamps, possibly associated with the worship of Nemesis, the goddess of retribution.

Legio, which measured about 1,640 by 1,300 feet (500 by 400 meters), was home to over 5,000 soldiers from Legion II Trajana and Legion VI Ferrata. The importance of well-trained military forces at Legio is highlighted by the expansion of the amphitheater, showing temporal continuity in its use.

Researchers have been collecting DNA samples from the legionary cemetery to gain insights into the ethnic composition of the legion and its recruitment practices, shedding light on the soldiers’ origins—whether they were primarily locals or recruited from distant parts of the Roman Empire.

Archaeologists uncover Roman military amphitheater with blood-red walls near 'Armageddon'
Excavating the amphitheater at Legio. Credit: Dr. Yotam Tepper

Legio was strategically located on a major intersection, making it a key Roman military presence during its time. The camp was initially constructed under Emperor Hadrian, who ruled from 117 to 123 CE, and was later abandoned, possibly in the late third or early fourth century, as the Roman army shifted eastward.

Archaeologists uncover Roman military amphitheater with blood-red walls near 'Armageddon'
An aerial view of the “principia,” or headquarters of the Roman military base near Tel Megiddo. Credit: Matthew J. Adams

This excavation at Legio is part of the Jezreel Valley Regional Project and the Albright Institute in Jerusalem, with support from the Antiquities Authority and funding from American Archaeology Abroad.

Share51Tweet32Share9ShareSendShare

You May Also Like...

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement
Archaeology

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

by Dario Radley
November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river
Archaeology

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey
Archaeology

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery
Archaeology

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey
Archaeology

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy
Archaeology

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

by Dario Radley
November 20, 2023
Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire
Archaeology

Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023
Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years
Archaeology

Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
17th-century Frenchwoman's gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

17th-century Frenchwoman’s gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

February 5, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

July 11, 2023
Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

September 4, 2023
8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

August 29, 2023
Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

February 15, 2023
Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

August 25, 2023
Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

August 4, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan's steppes

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan’s steppes

Mummy of the Mysterious Lady may have died of cancer

Pregnant Egyptian mummy ‘Mysterious Lady’ may have died of cancer

king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

November 20, 2023
Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

November 19, 2023

Archaeology News Online Magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.

Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Mail Us: info@archaeologymag.com

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us

About Us  .  Contact Us  .  Donation

  • Homepage
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.