A toddler on a family hike in Israel made a stunning archaeological find, uncovering an ancient scarab amulet at Tel Azekah, the legendary battlefield where David is said to have defeated Goliath.
A Chance Discovery in an Ancient Land
Three-year-old Ziv Nitzan was exploring the trails at the base of Tel Azekah with her family when she noticed something unusual among the rocks. What appeared to be an ordinary stone turned out to be a 3,800-year-old Canaanite artifact, adding another piece to the puzzle of the region’s deep historical ties to Egypt.
Ziv’s sister, Omer, recounted the moment they realized its significance. “She bent down and picked up this particular stone, and as she rubbed off the sand, we saw it was something different,” she told the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Recognizing the potential importance of the find, the family promptly contacted officials.
A Scarab Amulet With Egyptian Connections
The artifact is a small scarab-shaped amulet, a design commonly associated with ancient Egyptian culture. Scarabs, modeled after dung beetles, symbolized renewal and protection and were often used as personal seals or charms.
- The amulet suggests strong Egyptian influence in Canaan during the Middle Bronze Age.
- Scarab seals were used in daily life, administration, and burial rituals.
- Such artifacts provide crucial insight into Canaanite society’s interactions with Egypt.
The find further reinforces the historical and cultural connections between Canaan and Egypt, particularly during the second millennium BCE.
Recognized for Her Contribution to History
Following the discovery, the Nitzan family handed over the artifact to the Israel Antiquities Authority, where experts began examining its details. In recognition of their swift action, the young explorer received a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship.
Dr. Amir Golani, a Bronze Age specialist with the IAA, explained the significance of the artifact. “This is a rare and fascinating find that reflects the deep Egyptian-Canaanite cultural exchange in antiquity,” he said.
A New Addition to Archaeological Exhibits
The amulet will soon be showcased in a special Passover exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel. It will be displayed alongside other artifacts that illustrate the influence of Egypt on Canaanite civilization.
Tel Azekah, an important site in biblical and historical narratives, continues to yield remarkable discoveries. This latest find, thanks to a curious three-year-old, offers another glimpse into the region’s storied past.
