Northern Egypt, known as “Lower Egypt,” was ruled by the Hyksos from the city of Avaris. Southern Egypt, known as “Upper Egypt,” was ruled from Thebes by the native Egyptian dynasty. Called the Hyksos, this new ruling class formed the 15th Dynasty of Egypt and ruled autonomously in this area for a century and a half.ĭuring this period, Egypt was essentially split in two. a “provincial ruling family” of these East Semitic migrants established a new and powerful independent dynasty over northern Egypt. Egyptian historian Manetho both document that around the start of the 17th century b.c.e. This period of coexistence is marked by a general decline in native Egyptian power, which scholars attribute to famine or plague (based on Middle Kingdom texts referencing famine-like events, and general instability).Īmong other sources, the Turin King List and third-century b.c.e. These Semitic immigrants settled in the area of the Nile Delta and coexisted alongside the native Egyptian 13th Dynasty, forming what is known as the 14th Dynasty. Evidence shows specific immigrations into Egypt from the land of Canaan up to and during the 1700s b.c.e. the Turin King List) and wall art, and demonstrated by archaeological excavations in the Nile Delta area. What does Egyptian history record about this period?Įvidence of such migration is clearly documented on ancient Egyptian inscriptions (e.g. With Egypt’s food stores, they were able to survive the seven-year famine plaguing Egypt and the Levant at the time.Īccording to biblical chronology, this history, beginning with the migration of Jacob and his family, occurred around 1700 b.c.e. They were welcomed by the pharaoh and became established as herdsmen in the fertile land of Goshen-a significant northern territory of the Nile Delta (Genesis 47:1-11). Eventually, Joseph’s extended family (an entourage of at least 70, led by the patriarch Jacob) migrated from Canaan and settled in Egypt. This history is recorded in Genesis chapters 39 through 45. Readers will be familiar with the biblical account of Joseph being sold into Egyptian slavery, interpreting dreams, and eventually becoming second-in-command over Egypt. Furthermore, the land of Goshen-the region of the ancient Israelites in Egypt-is in the Nile Delta, which floods regularly, causing the destruction of ancient buildings and documents.ĭespite these challenges, however, there is evidence in support of the biblical record. Third, only a small slice of ancient Egypt has been excavated. The pharaohs never admitted defeats and were known to erase and rewrite history, especially anything that reflected negatively on their legacy. Second, Egyptian history was recorded by the pharaohs, who were notoriously biased. Both demographics are ghosts to the archaeological record. There are a few primary reasons for this.įirst, the Israelites during this period were initially slaves and then nomads. There is no denying that the search for evidence of the Exodus is a challenge. Julia Goddard/AMIBA Consider the Evidence But is it? Is there really “no evidence outside of the Bible” of the Israelites’ presence in Egypt? Nothing on the slavery of the Israelites, nothing on the plagues that persuaded Pharaoh to let them go, nothing on the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, nothing.” “The Exodus is so fundamental to us and our Jewish sources that it is embarrassing that there is no evidence outside of the Bible to support it.” Apparently, archaeologists dislike questions about the Exodus because, Rosenberg says, “there is nothing in the Egyptian records to support it. “The whole subject of the Exodus is embarrassing to archaeologists,” wrote Stephen Rosenberg in a 2014 Jerusalem Post article. For Haaretz, he wrote a piece titled “Were Hebrews Ever Slaves in Ancient Egypt? Yes.” Three days later, Haaretz posted another article by archaeology correspondent Ariel David titled “For You Were (Not) Slaves in Egypt.” Archaeologist Philippe Bohstrom looks at the evidence more favorably. The chief source of all these stories is the Bible, which gives a wonderfully detailed account of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt and the Exodus.īut how accurate is the biblical record? What does archaeology tell us about the Israelites in Egypt?Īrchaeologists and scholars provide varying answers. Across the world, Jewish families are sharing stories about Moses, the 10 plagues and Israel’s march through the Red Sea.
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