Ancient Egyptian settlement discovered from era that fueled Exodus debate

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Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered an ancient settlement dating back to theSecond 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, anancient corridorlinking the eastern Nile Delta with Egypt’s eastern frontier.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in late June.

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It 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.

Depiction of Moses parting Red Sea during Exodus next to aerial view of site

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 asdescribed 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, theremains of homes, ovens used for production, grain storage silos and a walled neighborhood dating to the Second Intermediate Period.

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Archaeologists 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.

View of skeleton at tomb near sand at archaeological site

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 Facebook)

Excavators also uncovered a roughly 98-by-197-foot residential complex still containing the remains of large halls and rooms, along with kilns and grain storage silos just east of the settlement.

“For the first time at the site, archaeologists discovered human burials outside the mudbrick tombs, including some in a crouched position — an unusual burial practice that will require further study,” the translated statement said.

View of skeleton at tomb at archaeological site

The discovery includes 15th Dynasty tombs and artifacts that archaeologists say help illuminate daily life in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago.(Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)

“Analysis of the pottery assemblage also indicates intensive daily use of the site, with tableware dominating the collection, followed by cooking vessels.”

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Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the discovery suggests the site functioned as an integrated community with residential areas, storage facilities, production areas and burial grounds.

Fathy also “praised the efforts of Egyptian and foreignarchaeological missionsto uncover more of Ancient Egypt’s secrets,” the statement added.

Depiction of Moses parting Red Sea during Exodus

The discovery dates to a period that has long figured in scholarly debates over whether the biblical Exodus occurred and, if so, when it may have taken place.(Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

The discovery follows another major archaeological find from Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period in 2025.

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Last year, archaeologists in Egypt uncovered a rare3,600-year-old pharaoh’s tombburied 23 feet beneath the desert near Abydos.