Stele of Merenptah or Stele of Israel (Merenptah)
Originally the centred stele belonged to Amenophis III, under Merenptah it was reused in the rear part while also retaining the original text on the opposite side. The facade used by Merenptah is divided into its parts: at the top are figurations, below them 28 lines of hieroglyphic text. The figuration also consists of two almost completely specular parts: the ruler wears the khepresh (Blue Crown), in one hand he holds the heka sceptre and with the other he is taking a khopesh sword from the hands of the god Amun, recognisable by the tall feathers on his head. On the right he is accompanied by the god Khonsu, on the left by the goddess Mut. The text celebrates Merenptah's victory over the Libyans and their allies. The final part narrates the victory of the ruler in another expedition, this time to the land of Canaan. Here, in the list of the defeated, the name of the tribe of Israel appears for the first time.
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