Killing Pharaohs in Exodus: The Anonymity of the Egyptian Kings, the Deconstruction of Their Individuality, and the Egyptian Practice of Damnatio Memoriae

Scholars have understood the anonymity of Egyptian kings in Exodus various ways. Some argue that Israelite author intentionally anonymized foreign for possible rhetorical effects. Others believe was a simple case inadvertent forgetting. Although these approaches merit contributing to more robust understanding Pharaohs, different approach may also something offer grasping fuller absence Pharaonic names. In this regard, article seeks examine conversation with practice damnatio memoriae (i.e., damnation memory). According method, proto-Israelite transmitters traditions deliberately obliterated names purpose terminating their existence and memory from community.