SPECULATION Was the prince of Egypt and the exodus the main inspiration of the prequel trilogy.

I strongly doubt that Lucas would have used Moses as an archetype for Anakin or Obi-Wan, though he did admit to making Anakin a "reverse Christ" kind of figure. Lucas has long admired the writings of Joseph Campbell, who tried to conflate all cultural heroes into one myth.

 

If the story of Exodus came into play, George was probably influenced by, not the Prince of Egypt, but The Ten Commandments starring Charton Heston, directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Watch that movie closely and you will see several trademarks of the prequels, namely 50s-style dialogue of loyalty and moral pathways. Even the idea of having characters speak in front of open windows affront sprawling landscapes is similar to that film.

I might also add that Ben Hurr seemed like another likely source of inspiration for Lucas. The relationship between Judah and Massalah is reminiscent of the Anakin/Kenobi relationship, and how the two men grow apart to become eventual enemies. (There is even one scene where Judah (also played by Charton Heston) looks up in anger, and it’s a dead ringer of Anakin’s crazed expression seconds before he slays the sand people. You can also see how Lucas got ideas for the Phantom Menace podrace from the chariot scene.

 

I was about to talk about this.

Anakin x Sebulba in the pod racer arena is almost the same thing that Ben Hur x Messala in the chariot scene.
The "pods/chariots" also get stick together.

 

No. The prequel trilogy is definitely full of christological elements. It's Lucas's pseudo-Buddhist critique of christianity.

 

Yes and no. Star Wars is Lucasfilm’s critique and celebration of a number of beliefs, world views, and pop culture. That’s what I find it laughable when new Star Wars is so hell-bent on imitating Westerns. These people clearly can’t see that Star Wars is more complex than a Han Solo gunslinger.

 

Star Wars has always imitated westerns as well as a number of other genre types. And it continues to do so. Many of the other genres are themselves influenced by westerns and vice versa. So it's not that laughable when you think about.

I'm not sure what film you're referring to re Han. The Solo film certainly doesn't make a big deal about Han quick drawing until the one moment in the film when he needs it. That's the only recent film that even references it.

As for the beliefs. I can't see much beside the christological allusions in Anakin and the pseudo Buddhist/oriental culture and philosophy of the jedi. (which is the main story). There is a slight hint of the Bedouin, no doubt inspired by Lawrence Of Arabia.