Israel - 1 Shekel 2012 - TEL MEGIDDO - NGC MS 70

Israel - 1 Shekel 2012 - TEL MEGIDDO - NGC MS 70 4th Coin in the "UNESCO World Heritage Sites" Series Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel The “Tel Megiddo” commemorative coin in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series won a prize at an international competition Megiddo was already an important city in the Bronze Age (Canaanite period) and in the Iron Age (Israelite period). Located at a strategic point on fertile land, Megiddo guarded the pass to an ancient trade route connecting Egypt and Assyria. For this reason, the city was desired by many ruling powers and was the site of frequent battles. Among its conquerors were Pharoahs of ancient Egypt, the Israelite and Judean Kings, as well as Assyria. Towards the end of the 7th century BCE, at the Battle of Megiddo between Egypt and the Kingdom of Judah, Pharoah Neco, captured the city from the Assyrians and slew King Josiah of Judah, to the astonishment of the people of Israel. Tel (Settlement Mound) Megiddo is one the most important and impressive archeological sites in the Land of Israel. Its 20 archeological strata contain the remains of some 30 different cities, spanning a period of over 4,000 years. Excavations which have been carried out since 1903, have revealed an area of worship, a large palace with jewels and ivories, stables from the time of King Ahab (I Kings 16-22, 9th Century BCE ) and an 8th century BCE seal with a roaring lion, belonging to Shema, the servant of King Jeroboam II. In addition and most impressive of all the findings, is a fine water system dating from the Israelite period. Initiated in the 10th century BCE, when Representing an interchange of human values throughout the ancient near-east and being a testimony to an ancient civilization with a high level of engineering and technology, Tel Megiddo was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, in 2005. Now a National Park, Tel Megiddo is visited by thousands, including Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Obverse: Face value, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, mint year, Israel State Emblem and part of the ancient 8th century BCE seal discovered at Megiddo. Reverse: The tunnel of the water system at Megiddo, a jug found in an archeological dig at Megiddo, "Tel Megiddo" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, UNESCO World Heritage Site Emblem and the Israel UNESCO Emblem