Jews in a desert for 40 years: any proof?

More than dubious. The number of Hebrews leaving Egypt according to the bible is significantly larger than the estimated population of the whole Nile delta at the time.

A very good post and a good summary of the legistical problems od sustaining a large group in a desert.
Thanks

Of course she was; pharoahs married their sisters.

the number 40 was a symbolic number in the Middle East back then. It means many - like Ali Baba and the 40 thiefs