The rise of a complex society: New evidence from tel megiddo east in the late fourth millennium

Tel Megiddo lies in the heart of the Jezreel Valley, Israel, a region vivified by its role as a hub of international roads (figs. 1-3). The east-west valley provides one of the easiest transits from the coastal areas to the interior mountains and valleys, and, consequently, links the international roads between Egypt and Syria, and beyond. Due to this geographical situation and to the fertile and well-watered plain itself, the valley has attracted human occupation since the Paleolithic period, and the region has enjoyed great prosperity during most subsequent periods.