MERNEPTAH STELE Meaning and
Definition
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The Merneptah Stele, also known as the Israel Stele or Victory Stele of Merneptah, is an ancient Egyptian monument created during the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah, the thirteenth son of Ramses II. It is a large stone slab that bears an inscription in hieroglyphics, commemorating the military victories of Merneptah and providing historical insights into the late 13th century BCE.
Standing at approximately ten feet tall, the Merneptah Stele was discovered in 1896 by renowned British archaeologist Flinders Petrie at Thebes, the capital of ancient Egypt. The inscription on the stele recounts Merneptah's successful campaign against various enemies, including the Libyans and the Sea Peoples, but it is most notable for mentioning a group identified as "Israel" in Canaan. This makes the Merneptah Stele one of the earliest-known references to the people of Israel in ancient texts.
The significance of the Merneptah Stele extends beyond its mention of Israel. It provides valuable information about the political and military landscape of the time, shedding light on relationships between ancient Egypt and neighboring regions. The stele offers insights into Egyptian triumphalism, propaganda, historical accuracy, and even the biblical narrative.
As an archaeological artifact, the Merneptah Stele holds immense historical value, contributing to our understanding of ancient Egypt and its interactions with neighboring cultures. The inscription serves as a crucial piece of evidence for scholars studying the early history and development of the Israelites.
Etymology of MERNEPTAH STELE
The term "Merneptah Stele" is derived from the combination of two words: "Merneptah" and "stèle".
1. Merneptah: Merneptah was the name of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period (approximately 1213–1203 BCE). His full name was Merneptah Ramesses, and he was the thirteenth son of the renowned Ramses II (also known as Ramesses the Great). Merneptah is particularly famous for his Victory Stele, commonly referred to as the Merneptah Stele.
2. Stèle (or stele): The word "stèle" comes from the Latin "stēla", which means a stone slab or pillar, often used as a memorial or commemorative monument.
