Archaeologists at Tel Beth-Shemesh have uncovered possible evidence of a mysterious female ruler of Canaan, or ancient Israel. The finding appears on an unusual ceramic plaque of a goddess in female dress, suggesting that a mighty female “king” may have ruled the city. If true, they say, the plaque would depict the only known female ruler of the region.The plaque itself depicts a figure dressed as royal male figures and deities once appeared in Egyptian and Canaanite art. The figure’s hairstyle, though, is womanly and its bent arms are holding lotus flowers ~ attributes given to women.
The plaque, art historians suggest, may be an artistic representation of the “Mistress of the Lionesses,” a female Canaanite ruler known to have sent distress letters to the Pharaoh in Egypt reporting unrest and destruction in her kingdom.
2 comments:
The article's headline should correctly read: "Ancient Canaan may Have had A Woman King", and whoever put Israel there needs to explain where the word "Israel" was ever linked to this find.
And yes, ancient Canaan did indeed have a "Woman King", her name was Hetshepsut. Egypt ruled this land. The female Pharaoh the bible called "Deborah, the female Judge." Lapidoth, the red-headed female Pharoah.
You are correct. It's sloppy labeling ~ of which I too have been guilty ~ to consider "Canaan" and "Israel" as synonymous. The actual article to which I linked is more factual and correct.
I had not heard of the Hetshepsut/Deborah connection until your comments, which I appreciate.
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