Footnote 2 – The First Peace Treaty Between Israel and Egypt
The Pharaoh who gave his daughter in marriage to King Solomon was most likely Siamun. Siamun came to the throne several years before Solomon and reigned for about 17 years (c. 976–958 B.C.) The Egyptian campaign into Philistia probably occurred in the early years of Solomon’s reign. In a relief at the Egyptian site of Tanis, Siamun is shown smiting an enemy armed with a weapon, characteristic of the Sea People, which included the Philistines. This too suggests a campaign by Siamun into Philistia. A scarab of Siamun was found in the excavations at Tell el-Farah (south) which is located in the western Negev on the principal road from Egypt to Philistia. A fortress at this site may have been destroyed by Siamun, according to a recent archaeological analysis. Moreover at ancient Ashdod, as well as at Tell-Mor, Moshe Dothan found a destruction level during the first half of the 10th century B.C. All of this suggests not only that the Pharaoh involved was Siamun, but that he mounted a major campaign into Philistia, perhaps with the ultimate objective of conquering Israel as well.