PREFACE BY AUTHOR:  This re-evaluation of the time and status of the historical Moses and the special inspirations behind his work - is based on interdisciplinary scientific- and cultural historical research, connecting archaeological findings, textual research, and astronomical dating - all being evaluated in relation to the Bible, the Rabbinical Writings, and various important authors of Antiquity.
          Many handed-down sources and findings have, for the first time, been put into a greater context all of which should be judged in its entirety. The book is not based on single sources or solitary decisions - rather,the focus is on the presentation of a long string of clues and indications; these may be considered a "special offer" to further research.
          The book can be read without previous scientific qualifications. It is not an attempt to present Moses' "curriculum vitae", nor is it "documentary fiction", or a historical account distributed in trendy reading form.
          Annotations at the bottom of pages or at special places have been left out in favour of coherence and legibility. Instead, annotations have been continuously included in the reading-matter. References of sources are given directly on the spot and may, as you like, be passed over or used in further documentation just like summaries and appendices. The intentional lack of other current annotation is compensated for by a comprehensive bibliography with further substantiation of the information given in the book. The bibliography has been divided into various fields of subject matter in order to facilitate verification.
          The British Egyptologist Alan H. Gardiner's transcription of Egyptian names has been preferred. Supplementary astronomical data are presented at the end of the book.

          A number of researchers and experts have from their separate fields of science most kindly contributed with guidance, criticism, argumentation, and encouragement. Naturally, these experts are not responsible for the way in which their information has been used.

Special thanks are offered to:
          Historical Astronomy:  Kristian Peder Moesgaard, D.Sc., Department of History of Science, Aarhus University, and Director of the Steno Museum, Danish National Museum for the History of the Exact Sciences.
          Egyptology: Erik Iversen, Ph.D.,h.c., Assistant Professor, formerly Department of Egyptology, University of Copenhagen;  - Eva Richter Aeroe, M.A., Assistant Professor, Carsten Niebuhr Institute, University of Copenhagen.
          Hebrew Philology/Bible- and Talmud Texts:  Egon K. Keck, M.A. in Semitic Languages, Subject Adviser, Dep. of Judaism, The Royal National Library of Denmark, Copenhagen;  - S. Heimann, Rabbi, formerly Dep. of Judaism, The Royal National Library of Denmark, Copenhagen;  - Jens-André P. Herbener, M.A. in Semitic Philology and Comparative Religion, and Project leader, at The Royal National Library of Denmark, of the new scholarly translation into Danish of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
          Biblical Research:  Bent Melchior, former Chief Rabbi of Denmark;  - Jakob H. Groenbaek, B.D., Subject Adviser, Royal National Library of Denmark, Copenhagen.
          Josephus Research:  Per Bilde, D.D., Study of Religion, Professor, Aarhus University.
          Greek Philology and Mythology:  Leo Hjortsoe, Assistant Professor, Department of Greek and Latin, University of Copenhagen.
          History:  Jens Jörgensen, MA in History, former Headmaster, officiately app. examiner in history at the Universities of Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense.
          Military Strategy History:  Michael H. Clemmesen, Cand.Phil., Brigade General, formerly The Academy of Defence.
          Glaciochronologi:  Claus Hammer, Ph.D., Professor, Geophysical Dep., The Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen.
          Principles of the Jewish/Mosaic Calendar:  Bent Lexner, Chief Rabbi of Denmark, Copenhagen.
          Astronomical Calculation:  Leif Kahl Kristensen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of History of Science, Aarhus University;  - K.A. Ternoe, M.A., formerly Department of Physics, Danish Post-Graduate Training College for Teachers, Copenhagen;  - Kyril Fabrin, Assist. Professor, Mathematics & Astronomy, formerly Aalborg University;  - H. Quade Rasmusen, Astronomer, Kalundborg, DK;  - F.R. Stephenson, D.C., Astronomer, University of Durham, England;  - David Dunham, DC, Astronomer, US Naval Observatory, Washington DC, USA.
          Further thanks to:  Rune Engelbreth Larsen, M.A. in History of Ideas and History of Religion;  - Eva Björnböl, Research-librarian, Cairo;  - Jannie Fursund, LLD, Assistant Professor;  - Asmus Koefoed, Bach.Phys.;  - Karine Smidth, Journalist;  - Erling Haagensen, Writer, and Film Director;- Sidney Maage, Principal, Ministry of Defence;  - Bodil Eeg Neumann, Techn.A.;  - Raymond Bildstedfelt, Inf.Director, DI;  - Marianne Illum, proofreader;  - Evan Bogan, Publ. Director;  - The Staff of The Royal National Library of Denmark, and of Dep. II of the Copenhagen University Library;  - Construction of Computer Programs: Laurids Pedersen, Nysted, DK; - Ulla Hoff, H.D., English language, Translator;  - Astronomical Computer Calculations: Jarl Hansen, Macro Systems Internet, Coín, Spain.
          OvS.

Synopsis  -  ABSTRACTS  - summary and some guiding clues regarding:

OVE VON SPAETH:  The Vanished Successor 
                             - Rediscovering the Hidden War Leading to Exodus

Volume 3 of the series "Assassinating Moses",

- Ancient texts and a variety of sources indicate that Moses was an exiled Egyptian prince who repeatedly attempted to regain his claim to the throne of the pharaohs by availing of the context of historic tensions then existing in the Middle East.
          A coup prevented Moses from ascending the throne of the pharaohs, a position for which - according to ancient Jewish texts, i.e. the 'Rabbinical Writings' - he had been designated and educated. A number of rare sources indicate that Moses continued to intervene in the political affairs of Egypt from his place of exile in order to regain his claims to the power.
          New light and understanding are now brought to the image of Moses and this "forgotten feud". This book unfolds the unresolved circumstances behind Moses’ extraordinary role in Egypt and the history of the Hebrews which led to changes across the Middle East.
          Several rare and old sources reveal that in response to the untimely coup that prevented Moses from ascending the throne of Egypt - a position for which, according to ancient Jewish texts (the 'Rabbinical Writings'), he had been designated and educated, - he instigated a major rebellion with the aid of Hebrew immigrant workers and of many Egyptians. It was not until the end of this attempt that these peoples sought another land and their own sovereignty.
           The oldest Moses traditions include information on rare astronomical phenomena, providing a unique correlation to be revealed between source material and dating. In addition, archaeological finds illuminate the data of the ancient scriptures which also seem to provide clues to Moses' secret bases where the people of the Exodus hid in 'the desert' for many years.
          A realistic background is unfolded of the crossing over the Red Sea. For the first time in the history of scholarship, larger contexts are developed of ancient mystery cults with religious and magical contents and practices which were also politically active and powerful in their own ways.

Key Phrases :   Moses' rebellion,  the Israelites,  Pharaoh Amenhotep II,  the Exodus from Egypt,  Joshua,  the pillar of the cloud,  pillar of fire,  spring sacrifice,  the Golden Calf,  the Ten Commandments, the Levites,  Jethro,  the desert journey,  the promised land,  Canaan,  Jericho,  astronomical mystery,  chronology,  historians of Antiquity, Sinai,  alphabet invention,  Cadmus,  cultural history,  archaeology, anthropology,  religious history,  Talmud,  the Bible,  the five Books of Moses,  Rabbinical Writings,  Old Testament,  Talmud,  Egyptology, Ove von Spaeth,  Philo,  Josephus,  Petra,  Hatshepsut,  Thebes, Tuthmosis III,  Quadesh.

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          In the Volume 3 the revolutionary rediscovery of Moses' feud for the Egyptian throne reveals an unexpected and new side of his dramatic role in Egypt and in Hebrew history.
          It is apparent that there are many gaps in the biblical report on Moses. He enters history, only to disappear, and returns in order to resume his leading role in the Israelite exodus story. The pattern repeats itself several times, and the biblical Books of Moses (the Septuagint) offer almost no clues to these "years of silence". Here, however, now these gaps are filled and Moses' story is unveiled ...

News about Moses in Egypt in advance of Exodus
      The increased knowledge also opens several new questions:

-   Were  the ten plagues of Egypt a stage of magic warfare?
-   Was  one of Moses' secret burial chambers to be found in Egypt?
-   Who  were the Levites with their Egyptian names?
-   Which  kings assisted in the Exodus of Moses and the Israelites?
-   What  is the meaning of the Bible's story of "the sun stood still"?

"The forgotten feud" is revealed here showing how Moses, the missing heir to the throne, and the dramatic role he played in Egypt and the neighbouring countries, brought about transformation throughout the Middle East - an unexpected background that could change how we perceive our early history. Ultimately, he instigated a decisive showdown in the 15th century BC with the help of Hebrew immigrant workers. Moses' daring action was in vain, however, and it wasn't until then that the Hebrews/Israelites sought another land.
          From obscure information in the oldest Moses traditions also in conjunction with rare astronomical phenomena, a unique correlation is revealed between source material and dating. Archaeological finds illuminate the data of the ancient scriptures which, among other things, seem to provide clues about important sites where the people of the exodus hid in "the desert" for many years.
          As rarely seen before in historical accounts, politically radical and mystery cults and religious and magic circumstances are drawn into a larger, proper perspective. The book's vibrant explanation is also readable by people outside the world of specialists.

A myth created in later times by researchers
          Many people are familiar with the expression 'Exodus', not least from movies and books about the hard fate of the Jews - and it is originally affiliated with the exodus of Moses and the Israelites from Egypt. Up to now, insufficient evidence of this event has caused doubt about this focal point of the Bible and about whether this story about the Jews ever actually occurred. And if it did, when did it happen?
          Astonishing finds and evidence shed light on the historical circumstances including whether the "Promised Land of Canaan" had been promised to others before the Israelites.
          It has long been asserted, without substantiation that Ramses II was the "harsh Pharaoh" mentioned in the Bible. But the historians of ancient times - as well as new data from modern astronomical dating of the epoch - already indicate that in reality Amenhotep II was the persecutor of the Israelites in the 15th century BC, i.e. about 200 years before Ramses II.
          After his 26-year reign, Amenhotep did not - as opposed to other important pharaohs - leave behind numerous edifices: Egypt seems to have lost a large number of workers during his reign. Could this be due to factors such as Moses' successful leadership of the exodus?
. . .
          A myth created inl ater times by researchers refers to Amenhotep II's predecessor, Tuthmosis III, as "Antiquity's Napoleon", which is contrary to the overlooked fact: that he never extended the Egyptian empire with an inch, but instead simply has defended (cleverly) its wide borders. Here, the often rare material seems to show that Tuthmosis III's many trips could have been systematically provoked by Moses, who had several important allies in Canaan.
          For the first time ever, a military and historical analysis of the exodus from Egypt and the invasion of Canaan is proven to be not only possible but probable - in contrast to recent theological theories. This is the first time a study has focused on the identity of the "first born" who were killed at the time of the exodus. It traces the date of the action. The date of fall of Jericho is based on the chapter in Joshua about "The day the sun stood still"; the logical scientific information is presented explaining this mysterious astronomical phenomenon described in the Bible.
          The author has open-mindedly ventured to ask the right questions, including those of controversial sources in archaeology and ancient texts that reflect the life of Moses as drastically different than the current perception - and actually end up corroborating Moses' biblical and historical activities.

Rich, informative source material
          The 'Rabbinical Writings' mention Moses and his active work during his long exile from Egypt. These subsequent, extensive operations, "the forgotten feud", are now revealed in connection with Egyptian historical events. They show how Moses - the missing heir to the throne and with the dramatic role he played in Egypt and its neighbouring countries - having brought about transformation throughout the Middle East: a surprising background able to change how we perceive our early history.
          Ultimately, he instigated a decisive, major rebellion in the 15th century BC with the help of Hebrew immigrant workers. Moses' daring action was in vain, however, and it wasn't until then that the Hebrews/Israelites sought another land.
          From hitherto unexpected information found in the oldest Moses traditions much unique correlation between source material and dating is revealed, and even in connection with records of rare astronomical phenomena too. Archaeological finds illuminate the ancient texts' data from 1400 BC all of which also providing traces of Moses' brilliantly selected, protective sites where the exodus-people then seems to have been hidden for many years in the desert.
          Also, it is interesting throughout the book to experience how a shadow-like figure from the Old Testament turns into a human being of flesh and blood and emerges as one of the major figures in world history.
. . .
          The handed down information about the impressive, apparent execution of Moses (symbolically performed only) was early excluded from the biblical narrative while it has still been preserved in the ancient 'Rabbinical Writings' - yet it was this highly disruptive event resulting in making him barely surviving while all his official identity in Egypt was eradicated.
          His adversaries' so carefully performed ritualistic removal of Moses' tracks in Egypt has in particular contributed in recent times to the appearance of confused theories about him. Through the meticulous investigated material of the present book it becomes abundantly clear also how such seemingly lack of information about Moses has led many of today's researchers to not attach him any importance as a historical person. Thus, they argue - in fact, from assumptions only and without any scientific proof - that he is just a myth and a literary product.
          A more clear picture emerges from the book's exposing how a greater recognition of "the Egyptian factor" - with its solid presence behind his entire life and work - would have given the concept of Moses better main lines to follow. In order to really understand this part of history better, the Moses figure must in every way be seen - as has been experienced now - in the original Egyptian context to a much stronger extent. Unfortunately, this is still very underexposed hitherto in the research in question.
          However, from the new-orientating material presented by "The Vanished Successor" it has here been revealed that at the time of Moses' long-term exile and then his emigration with the Israelites from Egypt (around 1455 BC, an era based on data from ancient writers, too), all this became the end result of the previous coup which had prevented him from taking over Egypt's throne. Moreover, it was from his protected exile in Nubia (the later Sudan and Ethiopia) and then Sinai that he was capable of - for a very long period of time and through the considerable great distances - succeeding in establishing much political plot, altogether with the goal to regain his lost position.

Exploiting to the full the historic tensions reigning in the Middle East
          During this period Moses has travelled far and wide. His personality may be the main key to some hitherto incomprehensible detail in the handed down reports on the wars which through those years kept the Egyptian army on its toes at the country's northern and southern border alternately; - incredible information is now brought to the light of day.
          By the events of Moses' hidden years being brought out in the open, a gripping course is exposed making the reader also forming acquaintances with:  1)  Moses' political alliances by which he manages from his exile to attack Pharaoh Tuthmosis III;  2)  Moses' from a military view very professional diversionary tactics during the Israelite exodus succeeding to mislead the pursuing Egyptian troops;  3)  his secret bases;  4)  his vast communication system;  5)  his desperate situation in the desert and the often problematic relationship with the Israelites.
          This promising pharaoh-prince, who with his in antiquity so very famous great and versatile talents should have become one of the most important rulers of Egypt - how could all this be lost to such an extent that even a mentioning of most of these circumstances have been lost in his later biblical reputation?
. . .
          Even the necessary dating information is available here - it concerns several independent, astronomically verifiable checkpoints of the time of Moses - among these are major events as the Exodus from Egypt and the invasion of Canaan:
          a)   According to Josephus the Israelite Exodus took place in "Moses' 80th year", i.e. when Moses was 79 years of age. In 1455 BC, the Israelite exodus from Egypt took place these 79 years after the birth of Moses. The date of this first Easter can be astronomically computed: in the Bible's the Book of Exodus the first Easter was determined from the first full moon at the 14th day of the first spring month, i.e. the first full moon after vernal equinox; the culmination of this full moon took place even on the very day of equinox, here the 21st March (by modern calendar style).
          b)   The battle of Joshua at Gibeon, where "... the sun stood still ..." (Book of Joshua, 10:12-13) in 1415 BC, the Israelite year of invasion (i.e. 39-40 years after the beginning of the exodus) is anticipated to have happened during a special, celestial phenomenon. In the present Vol. 3 this is carefully investigated and the result showing a rare kind of a total lunar eclipse, i.e. "the Cleomedes phenomenon" taking place by sunset on 25th June (modern calendar style).
          c)   Both the results by British archaeologist John Garstang, from his digging out the ruins of Jericho - and later from his colleague John J. Bimson's scientific examination by chemical analysis of the pottery found - confirm in all respects the dating around the beginning of the 1400's BC.
Also these points being of the most logic coherence are thoroughly documented here - and by the the present book they are for the first time exposed to the public.

Synthesis
          From the 400's BC til the 200's AD, Babylonia was a leading Jewish learning center. When settled in Babylonia, the Jewish leaders' waning attention to Moses, - the first tangible, major personality in the border area of our older history - seems to have resulted in reducing him from his actual volume to appear in a more limited role. Not least, from then his incoherent appearance in the shadow of this diminishing status had contributed to that branches of contemporary research claim Moses to be non-real and just a myth figure.
         Practising of assassinating Moses appears in fact to have occurred continuously for more than three thousand years. This process is reflected in four main points:  Moses' identity as a prince and heir to the throne was  -  1)  destroyed in Egypt,  -  2)  transformed and partially supplanted by the Israelites/Jews,  -  3)  the appearance altered by the church,  - and finally  4)   transformed again or even entirely neglected among later theologians and historians. His very identity appears to be annihilated, with effect until the present day nearly three and a half millennium after his death.
          There are religious founders and prophets such as Buddha and Zarathustra, known only less concretely through the traditions of their spoken words, transmitted through the disciples. But their existence is not doubted. However, Moses is the oldest known founder of a new religion - and here we have far more concretes: e.g. it is mentioned numerous times in the Bible that he has written down its (oldest) texts. That he is still regarded by many as a myth and as non-existent, will already on such background seem absurd.
. . .
          Assassinating Moses was, as mentioned, carried out on several levels and had taken place through several millennia. This in itself hidden riddle from ancient darkness seems finally to be  elucidated now.
          As rarely seen before when presenting history, the politically intrusive mystery cults and religious and magic circumstances are included here and drawn into a larger, proper perspective. The book's vibrant explanation is also readable by persons outside the world of specialists.
          Already by the attitudes in the ancient time regarding the Egyptians’ magical curse on Moses - which should "dismantle" him and condemn his work - it seems that the well-known self-fulfilling effect have emerged by which the curse became like almost a reality to those people who paid too much attention to it. Even among opponents of Egypt's new ruler (Tuthmosis III) this could certainly influence them to avoid involvement in or direct supporting Moses' aspirations.
          Thus in vain Moses continued for years from his exile his rebellion against Pharaoh Tuthmosis III and the successor, Amenhotep II. These matters disclose a new page of ancient history - but at the end, despite Moses' impressive performance, the surprising result of all the emaciated efforts and struggles became much more different from what anyone would have expected ...

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- More about the contents: Information points concerning this Volume 3 of the series "Assassinating Moses"

- More about the contents of Volume 3:  When Archaeological Finds Fit Biblical Statements

- Credentials, - about the author, statements from a number of scientific experts and professionals can be found e.g. on these pages:  authordata-4: Reflecting views - and  Zenith IC Project .

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