Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered new evidence at the site of Tell Abu Seifi that could help pinpoint a long-lost ancient city, potentially tied to the biblical Exodus. The discovery, announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on August 15, centers on a fortified site in northeastern Egypt near the Sinai Peninsula.
Excavations at Tell Abu Seifi revealed a massive sandstone lintel bearing the titles of Ramesses II, a pharaoh often associated with Moses. Ramesses II ruled from approximately 1303 B.C. to 1213 B.C., making the inscribed beam over 3,000 years old. Officials stated that this finding "presents a strong archaeological and historical hypothesis linking the site to the ancient Egyptian city of Mesen."
The lintel also includes an inscription referring to the restoration of a statue of Horus, described as "Lord of the City of Mesen." This inscription further supports the theory that Tell Abu Seifi may be the site of Mesen, a city mentioned in texts dating back to the New Kingdom era.
The site of Tell Abu Seifi is located along the Horus Military Road, a historic 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, which describes the Israelites' flight from Egypt.
In addition to the lintel, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a fortified temple complex, including 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 discovered. The site later served as a Roman military barracks in the third century A.D.
Officials noted that excavation and scientific study are ongoing to gather further evidence that could definitively confirm the site's identity. These findings are among several significant archaeological discoveries in Egypt this year connected to Ramesses II and biblical history. Earlier this spring, a large statue believed to depict Ramesses II was found at the Tel Pharaoh site, and an ancient settlement was uncovered at Tell el-Koua, a region historically associated with discussions about the setting of the Exodus.