In Search for Yaʿqobʾel in Edom in New Kingdom Topographical Lists

Abstract

In this article I examine the presence of the toponym Yaʿqobʾel within its geographical context in the topographical lists of Thutmose III, Ramesses II, and Ramesses III. Historically, Yaʿqobʾel and the toponyms clustered with it are located by scholars in Syria. However, it is possible that Yaʿqobʾel within Thutmose III’s list is found to the south of Moab. The topographical lists of Ramesses II and Ramesses III mention place names that might be linked to Yaʿqobʾel, and should be located in southern Transjordan, where the Edomite deity Qaus was worshiped.