ARMAGEDDON (̔Αρμαγεδών, G762), “the place which is called in Hebrew Armageddon” (Rev 16:16), is the scene of the final battle between the forces of Christ and of Antichrist before the Second Advent of Christ as outlined by the Book of Revelation. HDB (“Har-Magedon”) traces the history of attempts to locate this place. The famous author of that article (Eberhard Nestle) asserts “Upon the whole, to find an allusion here to Megiddo is still the most probable explanation.” Arguments have been made that it is the same as the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:12), itself an unknown location; that it is the valley of Esdraelon in northern Pal. where many of Israel’s battles were fought; or a reflection of the pagan nation that there is a mountain where the gods assemble (Isa 14:13, 14). These theories—and there are others—are all relatively modern. Ancients of whom we have record today advocate none of them. Megiddo was unknown, being long a forgotten ruin, in John the Revelator’s time. There is really little except an interesting similarity of sound to connect this reference with the Canaanite city of Megiddo famous in Egyp. annals and at one time fortified by Solomon. It has been pointed out by various scholars that Armageddon is the mobilization point for the final battle, not necessarily the scene of it. Hence the River Euphrates mentioned as the point of access for eastern kings is a more likely point. This northern entrance to Pal. for Oriental invaders is familiar to all readers of ancient history, sacred or profane. Furthermore, the tell of Megiddo is much less than a mountain—more a hill (גִּבְעָה֒, H1496). Mt. Tabor, to the N, in plain view of Megiddo is a הַר, H2215, or mountain. No evidence has been produced that Esdraelon, the valley of N Pal. on the S edge of which lies Megiddo, was ever called by the name of that town. Megiddo itself would not provide room for even a regiment to camp, while the theory that the Carmel range is referred to is without support. Furthermore, on close examination the spelling of Megiddo is really quite different from Harmagedōn. The Gr. of Revelation 16:16 has only one d, whereas the LXX of Megiddo has two. On the other hand, the LXX spelling is Mageddo. The final n likewise is an obstacle. Accessible recent treatments are TWNT and E. Kraeling, Rand McNally Bible Atlas.