The Great Crossing: Debunking Myths and Unveiling the Real Red Sea

For centuries, the story of Moses parting the Red Sea has captured the imagination of both believers and skeptics alike. However, recent research suggests that the traditional narrative may be more mythical than factual. This article explores the true dimensions of the Red Sea as we know it today, with a focus on the area where it is believed Moses crossed.

Origins of the Myth

The tale of Moses parting the Red Sea is deeply ingrained in religious texts and popular culture. However, these stories have their roots in earlier Sumerian accounts, most notably the Epic of Gilgamesh, which predates the paleo-Hebrew writings by several centuries. For a deeper dive into the ancient narrative, you can explore the updated version of the Bible in the Epic of Gilgamesh here. The expanded edition will be available soon.

The True Boundaries of the Red Sea

Today, the Red Sea is approximately 355 kilometers (220 miles) wide at its widest point and reaches a maximum depth of over 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). However, it was not always this vast. At the time of the Exodus, the Suez Canal did not exist, and the depth and width of the sea may have been significantly different. A close examination of the area near the end of the Red Sea reveals a much narrower and shallower region.

Narrowing the Focus

It is believed that Moses and the Israelites crossed a much narrower part of the Red Sea, near the Gulf of Suez, where the width is roughly 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) and the depth averages less than 10 meters (33 feet) in the middle. This area can be seen in older maps and current charts.

Modern Evidence and Dredging

Reports from Google Maps indicate that the area near the end of the Red Sea is now navigable for modern ships. Dredging has been carried out to achieve a depth of 23.5 meters (77 feet) for ships with deep drafts. To visualize the location, search for Ras Gharib, Egypt on Google Maps and measure the distance to the other side of the Red Sea.

Here is a map of the location, which is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) across and 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide, with an average depth of about 30 feet (9 meters) in the middle. The slope is very slight, making it easier to traverse.

Practical Considerations

Even with the shallower depth and narrower width, attempting to cross the Red Sea with a large group, including 2 million people, their belongings, and livestock, would have been a monumental challenge. The ancient text does not mention the use of any miraculous means such as parting the sea, suggesting that if the event actually occurred, it would have been through a more rational means.

The Depth Dilemma

The problem with the traditional narrative is not just with the width but the depth. If the story were true, the Israelites would have had to navigate a steep and muddy slope on one side and then climb up a similar slope on the other side, all the way to a depth of over 100 feet (30 meters). This feat would be virtually impossible for a large group of people and their belongings.

Alternative Possibilities

Instead of focusing on the historical unreliability of religious texts, we could consider alternative explanations for the Israelite Exodus. If such an event did occur, it could have taken place at a different location or through a different method. For example, the former Reed Sea to the north-west would have been less challenging but more improbable as an exit route from Egypt.

Final Thoughts

The true dimensions of the Red Sea, as we understand them today, suggest that the crossing described in religious texts may have been historically inaccurate. Instead, we might consider the possibility that the Israelites exited Egypt through a different route or by a different means. This reimagining of the event could provide a more plausible explanation for the Exodus narrative.

For those interested in further exploring this topic, this website offers an updated version of the Bible in The Epic of Gilgamesh, and the expanded edition will be available soon.