The Pharaoh Ruling During Moses' Birth: A Historical Journey Through Ancient Egypt
Moses, a figure revered in both Jewish and Christian traditions, is often associated with significant events in ancient Egypt. Many questions surround his life, particularly the exact pharaoh ruling during his birth and the timeline leading up to the Exodus. This article delves into the historical records and the possible chronology of this period in ancient Egypt.
The Pharaohs of Early Dynasty
Before examining the pharaohs during Moses' lifetime, it is necessary to establish the context of the New Kingdom, which began with Pharaoh Ahmos I (1560-1527 BC). Ahmos I was the founder of the 18th Dynasty and initiated the slavery of the Hebrews, setting the stage for Moses' future leadership. Moses is believed to have been born in 1526 BC, making him a participant in a period marked by significant social and religious changes in ancient Egypt.
The Pharaohs in Question: Thutmose III and Amenhotep II
Several pharaohs are considered candidates for the ruler during Moses' formative years. According to most historical sources, Thutmose III (1479-1425 BC) is often identified as the pharaoh mentioned in the Bible. During Thutmose III's reign, Moses spent his youth in Midian, fleeing Egypt after a dispute with the pharaoh. The other prominent candidate is Amenhotep II (1427-1401 BC), who could have been the pharaoh mentioned in the biblical Exodus narrative.
However, some historians suggest a timeline closer to 1290 BC, with Pharaoh Ramesses II as the ruler at the time of the Exodus. This timeline places Moses' birth near 1370 BC, which aligns with the pharaoh Horemheb's reign (1319-1292 BC). Horemheb, known for his aggressive campaign to erase Akhenaten's legacy, is seen as a suitable candidate due to the historical significance of his actions.
Moses' Birth and the Pharaoh of His Time
The specifics of Moses' birth and the identity of the pharaoh at that time are subjects of considerable debate. According to the accepted Jewish chronology, Moses left Egypt in the 2448th year of the Jewish calendar, which corresponds to 1313 BC in the Christian calendar. This timeline places the Pharaoh of the Exodus as Horemheb. Horemheb's aggressive campaign against Egypt's neighboring cities and his efforts to restore the old religious practices make him a plausible candidate for the pharaoh during the Exodus.
Another possibility rises when considering Moses' age during the time of the Exodus. If Moses was eighty years old at that time and died at 120, the timeline suggests he was born around 1526 BC, aligning with the reign of Tutankhamun (1332-1323 BC). Tutankhamun, known for his short but influential reign, is approximately the same age as the biblical description would suggest for Moses at the time of the Exodus.
Archeological Evidence and Historical Connections
Archeological evidence provides further insight into the timeline and the possible pharaohs during Moses' lifetime. In Tutankhamun's tomb, a wooden box bearing a statue of Anubis was found, which remarkably resembles the Ark of the Covenant. This discovery suggests a strong cultural and possibly familial connection. The engraving of two winged figures on the doors of the tomb, closely matching the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, further reinforces this connection.
These findings, although not definitive, support the idea that the Ark of the Covenant was likely crafted by artisans with the same cultural background, possibly even the same workmen, as those who created the Anubis box. This connection adds another layer to the historical narrative, positioning Tutankhamun as a plausible candidate for the pharaoh during Moses' formative years and potentially even during the Exodus.
In conclusion, while the exact pharaoh during Moses' birth and the Exodus remains a subject of scholarly debate, the historical and archeological evidence supports a range of possibilities. From the reign of Ahmos I to the era of Tutankhamun, the timeline of ancient Egypt provides a rich context for understanding the life of Moses and the events surrounding the Exodus.