This was a major fortress in the valley of Jezreel. The city was occupied by Egyptians until the middle of the twelfth century, when it was destroyed, presumably by the Sea Peoples (Philistines). Its strategic location was recognized by Solomon, who rebuilt the city as a major Israelite military fortress.
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27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land.