Israel Stele

The Israel Stele, also known as the Merneptah Stele, is an ancient Egyptian inscription dating back to around 1208 BCE. It is notable for being one of the earliest references to Israel outside of the Bible. The stele, commissioned by Pharaoh Merneptah, celebrates his military victories and mentions a group called "Israel" in the context of a campaign in Canaan. This suggests that Israel was recognized as a distinct entity during that time. The stele is significant for historians and archaeologists as it provides valuable insights into the early history of Israel and its interactions with neighboring civilizations.