Toddler’s Hike Yields 3,800-Year-Old Amulet in Israel

A 3-year-old girl named Ziv Nitzan stumbled upon a 3,800-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet while hiking with her family in Israel, an extraordinary find that has captivated archaeologists and the public alike. The discovery, made during a casual outing near Tel Azekah, underscores the rich historical tapestry of the region and highlights how even the youngest explorers can uncover treasures from the ancient past.

Ziv was walking a dirt path when she picked up what she thought was a rock with “teeth on it.” Her family quickly realized it was no ordinary stone and reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

The IAA identified the object as a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age, dating back to around 1800 B.C. Experts say it reflects the deep cultural ties between ancient Egypt and Canaan, a connection well-documented in the region.

Scarabs, shaped like dung beetles, were sacred in ancient Egypt, symbolizing renewal and creation. The Egyptians believed these beetles embodied their creator god, a belief that spread to neighboring cultures like the Canaanites.

Ziv’s find occurred at Tel Azekah, a site tied to the biblical tale of David and Goliath. Archaeologists have long studied this area for its evidence of Bronze Age settlements and its strategic importance.

The amulet is small, fitting in a child’s hand, yet intricately carved with beetle-like features. Its preservation after nearly four millennia speaks to the craftsmanship of its makers and the dry climate of the Judean Lowlands.

Oded Lipschits, an archaeologist from Tel Aviv University, noted Tel Azekah’s prominence in ancient times. He said the scarab joins a growing list of artifacts showing Egypt’s influence on Canaanite society.

The Nitzan family’s decision to alert authorities earned Ziv a certificate of appreciation from the IAA. Officials praised their civic duty, noting it ensures such finds benefit all who study history.

The scarab will soon be displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel. It will feature in a Passover exhibit alongside other Egyptian and Canaanite relics, many shown for the first time.

Heritage Minister AmichWeatherichai Eliyahu hailed the discovery as a link to ancient civilizations. He emphasized that it proves history remains alive in Israel, accessible even to children.

Experts say such finds by amateurs are not uncommon in Israel, a land steeped in millennia of human activity. The nation boasts over 35,000 known archaeological sites, with more likely still hidden beneath the soil.

Ziv’s parents expressed pride in her keen eye, though she’s too young to grasp the full impact. Her older sisters, however, are thrilled, with archaeologists set to visit their school to discuss the find.