Merneptah Stele 3 x 5 The Israel Stele ישראל Ceramic Tile

Handmade ceramic tile reproduction of the Merneptah Stele, the first historical mention of Israel in hieroglyphics, found on the 27th line carved into a 10-foot-high black granite slab, also known as the Israel Stele or the Victory Stele of Merneptah. 

Merneptah, a pharaoh in ancient Egypt, commissioned the inscription, which dates to 1213 to 1203 BCE. Discovered by British Egyptologist Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie at Thebes in 1896 and is now housed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The Stele was originally erected by the Ancient Egyptian king Amenhotep III, but later inscribed by Merneptah who ruled Egypt from 1213 to 1203 BC. The stele primarily commemorates a victory in a campaign against the Libu and Meshwesh Libyans and their Sea People allies, but its final two lines refer to a prior military campaign in Canaan in which Merneptah states that he defeated Ashkelon, Gezer, Yanoam and Israel, among others.

One-of-a-kind unique ceramic tiles. I handmade these tiles from high-fire clay, hand-cut and designed. Air dried and fired, glazed and fired again. The tiles measure approximately 3-3/4" x 5-3/4" x 3/8". The backs are unglazed with a hook on the back for hanging.

**Shipping cost includes ALL tariffs and customs fees for US-bound shipments. No surprises.**