Merneptah Stele

The Merneptah Stele is an ancient Egyptian inscription created around 1200 BCE, commemorating the military achievements of Pharaoh Merneptah. It is significant because it contains one of the earliest known references to Israel outside the Bible, noting the defeat of a people called "Israel" in Canaan. The stele also highlights the pharaoh's victories over various groups in the region. This artifact provides important historical evidence of ancient Egypt's influence and the existence of Israel as a distinct entity during that period, contributing to our understanding of the ancient Near East.