Exodus

Has the Exodus of the Israelites really taken place? Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? Can archaeology and Egyptology identify early layers of the biblical narrative? The Exodus awakens a historical research drive in many people, and these are indeed exciting questions that contribute to the understanding of the narrative, yet the Exodus is much more: the narrative founded the people of Israel, shaped Judaism, and influenced human history. Therefore, this edition looks far into the past and also into the present: Where do the origins of this myth lie, and what power does it hold to this day? For the enduring fascination of the liberation narrative must lie in its relevance: time and again, it is necessary to set out ..., as Jan Assmann states in his introductory contribution.