The Merneptah Stele

The Merneptah Stele is an ancient Egyptian stone inscription dating back to around 1208 BCE. It commemorates Pharaoh Merneptah's military victories, particularly against a group called Israel, making it the earliest known reference to Israel in historical records. The stele provides insights into the political landscape of the time, reflecting conflicts in the region. It is significant for both historians and archaeologists as it helps to establish a chronological framework for ancient Israel's emergence and offers a glimpse into the interactions between Egypt and neighboring peoples.