Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered an ancient settlement dating back to the Second Intermediate Period, an era that has long figured in scholarly debates over the historical setting of the biblical Exodus.The settlement was found at the Tell el-Koua site in the Wadi Tumilat region, an ancient corridor linking the eastern Nile Delta with Egypt's eastern frontier.The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in late June.ARCHAEOLOGISTS MAKE UNUSUAL FIND NEAR SITE WHERE ARK OF THE COVENANT WAS ONCE KEPTIt includes 15th Dynasty tombs and evidence that the site remained occupied into the 18th Dynasty, spanning the transition from Hyksos rule to the New Kingdom.The Hyksos were rulers who controlled much of northern Egypt about 3,600 years ago before being driven out by the Egyptians.Archaeologists uncovered an ancient settlement dating to Egypt's Second Intermediate Period, an era some biblical scholars have suggested may provide historical context for the Exodus account.(Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images; Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)While biblical scholars remain divided over when — or even whether — the Exodus occurred as described in the Bible, some have suggested the Hyksos period may provide historical context for the biblical account.At the site, archaeologists uncovered 10 mudbrick tombs, the remains of homes, ovens used for production, grain storage silos and a walled neighborhood dating to the Second Intermediate Period.HIDDEN UNDERGROUND CHAMBER REVEALED BENEATH HOME OF LEGENDARY ROMAN EMPERORArchaeologists also recovered scarab amulets, bronze tools, pottery, alabaster cosmetic containers and human remains, along with animal bones believed to be linked to daily meals and funeral offerings.The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery on June 29 following excavations at the Tell el-Koua archaeological site.
(Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via...