The ancient Egyptian texts indicate that Shechem was a strategically fortified city of international importance since the year 1800 B.C. It was also a center for the Canaanite religions and political life, and it is understood from the ancient Egyptian texts that the relationship of Palestine became intimate with Egypt from the beginning of this era. The Tal al-Amarna letters (1400-1350 BC) speak of the city of Shechem, under the rule of its Canaanite prince of Abaayo, as a city that plays an important role in the struggle against Egyptian control over the area of ​​Palestine.