Egyptian archaeologists recently discovered an ancient sword that belonged to the army of Ramses II, a pharaoh 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 city in Beheira Governorate.
At the site, named Tell al-Abqain, archaeologists discovered “a series of mud-brick buildings including barracks for New Kingdom soldiers and weapon, food and larder rooms.”
One of the finds was a bronze sword bearing a cartouche of Ramses, and photos of the sword show that although the relic has been corroded by time, the symbol of the Egyptian ruler remains.
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Recent excavations in Egypt have uncovered a bronze sword dating to the time of Moses and the Exodus. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
“In addition to the barracks, a large number of remains and personal belongings of soldiers were unearthed,” the tourism ministry added.[These] The artefacts provide insight into the daily life, religious beliefs and military activities of the fort's occupants.”
A wide variety of artefacts have been found, ranging from weapons and tools to sanitary items and jewellery.
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The sword, engraved with the symbol of Ramses II, is over 3,000 years old. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
“these [findings] “The remains include weapons used in battles, hunting equipment, personal ornaments, ivory kohl applicators, carnelian and faience beads, scarabs and talismans, among other sanitary items,” Egyptian officials added.
Ramses, also spelled Ramses, was born in 1303 BC and died in 1213 BC. He is believed to be the pharaoh who ruled Egypt in the Book of Exodus.
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The artifacts were discovered at the Tell al-Abqain archaeological site in Beheira governorate. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
According to the biblical account, Moses led the enslaved Israelites out of Egypt into the desert of Paran. Although the Bible does not name the pharaoh with whom Moses interacted in the Book of Exodus, most scholars believe the text refers to Ramses.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a press release that the fort is of historical importance to Egypt and served as a key outpost, protecting Egypt's borders from the Sea Peoples, a group of several tribes that attacked Egypt.
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Archaeologists say the wide variety of artefacts uncovered during excavations reflect the social and religious life of the soldiers who lived there. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
“[T]”The architectural units are meticulously planned and divided into two identical groups separated by a narrow passageway,” the press release explains. “This regular layout demonstrates the ingenuity of Ancient Egyptian engineers who adapted their surroundings to serve a variety of practical purposes.”
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