The Last Canaanites: Megiddo during the Iron Age I

This article explores the final stages of Canaanite Megiddo during Iron I, focusing on Strata VIB and VIA. Stratum VIB presents evidence for a modest village lacking monumental structures, while Stratum VIA marks the peak of urban development before its catastrophic destruction. The article argues for the architectural and social continuity between the Late Bronze and Iron Age I, highlighting Megiddo’s role as an independent citystate, and emphasizing its economic self-sufficiency, localized production, and Canaanite heritage. The destruction of Stratum VIA was unexpected, rapid, and complete, as there are no signs of crisis behavior.