Merneptah Stele: The First Mention of Israel in the World

Imagine unearthing an ancient stone that rewrites history, a stone that holds the earliest known mention of a nation still significant today. The Merneptah Stele.

"In 1896, British archaeologist Flinders Petrie made an extraordinary discovery in the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Amidst the ruins, he found a large granite slab inscribed with hieroglyphics, a stele commissioned by Pharaoh Merneptah. This ancient artifact, standing over seven feet tall, would soon reveal secrets that had been buried for over three millennia.

The stele primarily celebrates Merneptah’s military victories. Pharaoh Merneptah, son of the renowned Ramses II, had a reputation to uphold. His campaigns across Canaan were  recorded on this stele, detailing his triumphs over the Libyans and various Canaanite tribes. The language used is triumphant and boastful, typical of royal inscriptions meant to impress and intimidate.

As scholars translated the hieroglyphics, one line stood out. Among the list of defeated enemies, the stele makes a  claim: 'Israel is laid waste; its seed is no more.' This single phrase is the earliest known reference to Israel in any historical document, placing the existence of this group firmly in the late 13th century BCE.

This mention is brief but groundbreaking. It provides a concrete link between the biblical narratives and the historical records of ancient Egypt. The stele doesn't offer a detailed description of the Israelites but confirms their presence in the region, challenging and enriching our understanding of ancient history.

If you found the story of the Merneptah Stele intriguing, join us in our next video as we delve into the fascinating history of the City of Heliopolis, the birthplace of many ancient myths and legends. Click to continue exploring the mysteries of ancient Egypt with Sneferu.

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