Kadesh Treaty, ~1269 BC. Akkadian on Terracotta from Hattusa. Museum of the Ancient Orient Bo. 10403+6549+6674. Image by L. M. Clancy, 2009/08/28. The Kadesh Treaty was established ~1269 BC between Hittite king Hattusilis III and Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II, and is the earliest known equitable peace treaty. Ramses II’s reign began with hostility against the [...]

The Merneptah Stele (~1207 BC) recounts Merneptah’s siege of Ashkelon, and provides the earliest mention of the Israelites. Thus, Israel likely formed within one generation of 1207 BC.