The Merneptah Stele, Erected in 1208 BCE, is First Proof of Israel

Times of Israel — Ops & Blogs

The Merneptah Stele, erected in 1208 BCE, contains the earliest known mention of Israel outside the Bible. Carved to celebrate Pharoah Merneptah’s victories, it lists Israel separately from Canaanite cities—using grammar that denotes a…