For archaeologist Nuggin re the pyramids and Jews

Hi Nuggin,Paul will probably chip in here later as we have both discussed many archaeological topics at the forum.I have a small problem with one of your statements in Faith's thread, namely that you believe that the Jews were employed in the building of pyramids in Egypt.I actually have 2 problems with that claim, the first one is a little pedantic and concerns the use of the word 'Jews'. Jews are the descendants of Jacobs son Judah, but the Bible states that it was all of Jacobs clan that went to Egypt not just Judah and family. So, I think to be more accurate you should use 'hebrew' or 'Israelite'. A bit pedantic, but its best to be accurate.Secondly, and what I think is a more seriously problem is that the Bible never states that the Hebrews built any pyramids, they were only employed in the building of the store cities of Pithom and Rameses (exodus 1.11).Som can you tell me what makes you think that they were employed in building pyramids?Also, as an archaeologist, I am sure that you are familiair with archaeological methodologies and you can provide ample support for your claim.Cheers, look forward to your answer.Admin, I put this in coffee house because I consider this a small informal discussion.

Hi Nuggin,No probs with the slip up, we all do it, and big up for having the balls to admit it.However, there's always a 'however' around here, as you'll find out.I completely disagree with this statement: I certainly would like to see evidence to suport this as I am of the undertsanding that there is no direct evidence of Hebrews in Egypt, I am happy to be corrected here. But, at best, we have some circumstantial situations, but nothing direct, unless you have some new evidence to present?I cannot even think of a maximalist who would say there is direct evidence.BTW, what is your area of aracheological research?Brian.

Hi, I do agree that there is external evidence for quite a bit of the Bible, but, as I said before, the accuracy only starts to solidify as we near the 6th century BCE. The evidence for events in the 'historical' books is surprisingly lacking, the epic events are all invisible in the archaeological record. Got any parts for a Scottish Indiana Jones? Brian.

This is used as 'evidence' of Israelites in Palestine.The Merneptah stele is dated to around 1205 BCE, and mentions Israel being laid waste, the Stele is not evidence of Israelites in Egypt. It says nothing about the Exodus or even the religious practices of the 'Israelites'.Also, there is no certainty that the Israel in the Stele and the Israel of the Bible are one and the same, although it is likely.Brian.