The word Armageddon is used to describe the End of Days, i.e. the destruction of all living things and the very earth itself. Although associated most closely with evangelical Christianity, virtually all religions have some myth related to the end of time.
The word itself is taken from the ancient town in Israel known as Megiddo. Located on a strategic road over looking the Jazreel Valley, Megiddo was once a wealthy and powerful City-State. Because of that strategic location and wealth, it was constantly warred over in the ancient world. The Canaanites, the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Hebrews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Byzantines, and virtually every other Mediterranean or Middle East power fought and bled over that patch of land. Many historians claim that Megiddo is the most disputed piece of land in history (although being a Sicilian, I would care to dispute that claim).
In the Christian scenario of Armageddon, on the last days of the human existence, the powers of good and evil will fight to the death over who will control the human soul. The evil ones will be cast into hell and the righteous will be raised up to heaven. This is known is Christian circles as the rapture. At least that is my understanding. And the climatic battle of Armageddon will once again be waged at Megiddo.
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