Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered new evidence at the site of Tell Abu Seifi that may identify a long-lost ancient city with possible ties to the biblical Exodus. The discovery, announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on August 15, centers on a fortified ancient site near the Sinai Peninsula.
Excavations revealed a massive sandstone lintel, or stone beam, inscribed with the titles of Ramesses II, a pharaoh often associated with Moses. Ramesses II ruled during the New Kingdom era, approximately from 1303 B.C. to 1213 B.C., making the lintel over 3,000 years old. The inscription also refers to the restoration of a statue of Horus, described as "Lord of the City of Mesen." This evidence, according to officials, presents a strong archaeological and historical hypothesis linking Tell Abu Seifi to the ancient Egyptian city of Mesen, which has been mentioned in texts dating to the New Kingdom.
The site is situated along the historic Horus Military Road, a strategic route connecting Egypt with Sinai and Canaan. Some scholars have linked this route to the "way of the land of the Philistines" mentioned in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites, fleeing Egypt under Moses, were directed away from this more direct path.
In addition to the inscribed lintel, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a fortified temple complex. This included a mudbrick enclosure wall, gates, storage rooms, and two ancient stone roads leading into the temple. Fragments of falcon statues and other sculptures were also found. The site shows evidence of continued use, with parts converted into a Roman military barracks during the third century A.D.
Officials stated that excavation and scientific study are ongoing to find further evidence that could definitively settle the question of Mesen's identity. These findings are part of several significant discoveries in Egypt this year connected to Ramesses II and the biblical world. Earlier in the spring, a massive statue believed to depict Ramesses II was uncovered at the Tel Pharaoh site, and an ancient settlement was found at Tell el-Koua in Wadi Tumilat, a region also associated with debates about the Exodus narrative.