Archaeology: Pithom and Raamses

The location of Raamses is now associated with Qantir (Tell el-Dab'a). Pithom was within the Wadi Tumilat, a natural corridor in and out of Egypt, but its exact position is not yet settled.

Ongoing excavations at Tell e-Dab-a (Raamses) have revealed a prosperous ancient city with many monuments, temples, and buildings. Tell el-Retaba is thought to be the most probable location of Pithom, but sufficient excavation has not been done at this site.

According to Exodus 1, the Hebrews were slaves in the Egyptian cities of Pithom and Raamses before the Exodus. The Egyptians forced the Hebrews to make bricks, both with and without straw (Exodus 1:14; 5:7-19).

Kyle Campbell