According to the IAA’s Dr. Amir Golan, “During the Late Bronze Age, Egypt was an extremely powerful empire and imposed its authority throughout our region. Egyptian authority was not only manifested in political and military control, but was also a strong cultural influence that contributed to shaping society. Along with an administration of Egyptian officials in Israel, a group of local elite evolved in the country, who adopted many of the Egyptian customs and their artistry.”
The artifacts were transferred to the laboratories of the Israel Antiquities Authority for further processing. The investigation of the cave and its finds is still in the early stages, and upon completing the processing of the hundreds of objects that were exposed, it will be possible to add important information regarding Egypt’s influence on the population of the land of Israel during the Biblical period.