Army camp unearthed at site of 'Armageddon'

AN ancient Roman army camp has been unearthed at Armageddon - the location earmarked in the Bible for mankind's apocalyptic final battle.

- Chris Riches

Excavations at the spot in northern Israel uncovered the biggest Roman soldier base ever found in the country.

The 1,800-year-old camp housed more than 5,000 troops from the Sixth Ironclad Legion and lies at the foot of the Tel Megiddo archaeological mound.

Forts were built on the spot to guard the Via Maris, an ancient trade route linking Egypt with the northern empires of Syria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia.

Dr Yotam Tepper, who directed the excavation for the Israel Antiquities Authority, said the base served the legion for nearly two centuries.