Egyptian archaeologists recently discovered an ancient sword that belonged to the army of Ramesses II, the pharaoh scholars believe is mentioned in the Book of Exodus.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in a press release on September 5. The excavation took place in Housh Eissa, a town in Beheira Governorate.
At the site, called Tell Al-Abqain, archaeologists found “a series of mud-brick architectural structures, including military barracks for soldiers and storage areas for weapons, food and provisions dating from the New Kingdom period.”
Among the finds was a bronze sword with the cartouche, or hieroglyphic symbol, of Ramses. A photograph of the sword shows that the artifact has decayed over time, but still retains the symbol of the Egyptian ruler.
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“In addition to the barracks, numerous artifacts and personal belongings of soldiers were also unearthed,” the Ministry of Tourism said.[These] Artifacts provide insight into the daily lives, religious beliefs and military activities of the fort's residents.”
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All kinds of relics were found, from weapons and tools to toiletries and jewelry.
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“This [findings] “These include weapons used in battle, hunting tools, personal ornaments and hygiene items, such as ivory kohl appliqués, carnelian and faience beads, scarabs and protective amulets,” Egyptian officials added.
Ramses, whose name is also spelled Rameses, was born in 1303 BC and died in 1213 BC. He is considered the pharaoh who ruled over Egypt in the Book of Exodus.
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According to the biblical accounts, Moses led the enslaved Israelites out of Egypt into the desert of Paran. Although the Bible does not name the pharaoh who interacted with Moses in the Book of Exodus, most scholars believe the text refers to Ramesses.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the press release that the fortress was historically important to Egypt and served as an important outpost. It protected Egypt's borders from the Sea Peoples, who were made up of various tribes who attacked Egypt.
“[T]The architectural units are meticulously designed, divided into two identical groups separated by a narrow passageway,” the press release explained. “This regular layout demonstrates the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineers in adapting their environment to serve a variety of practical purposes.”
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Source original article: Ancient Sword from the Time of Moses, Book of Exodus Discovered in Egypt
