Toddler uncovers 3,800-year-old amulet during family hike in Israel

File Source: ISREAL21c

A three-year-old girl in Israel has made an extraordinary archaeological discovery during a family hike, finding an ancient artifact that dates back nearly 3,800 years.

Ziv Nitzan, while walking near Tel Azekah close to Beit Shemesh in March, picked up a stone that, upon closer inspection and a bit of cleaning, revealed itself to be a Canaanite scarab amulet from the Middle Bronze Age. Recognizing the significance of the find, Ziv’s family immediately reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

Daphna Ben-Tor, an IAA expert on ancient amulets and seals, confirmed the importance of the scarab, noting that these items were used as seals and amulets during the period. “Scarabs were used in this period as seals and as amulets. They were found in graves, in public buildings and in private homes. Sometimes they bear symbols and messages that reflect religious beliefs or status,” Ben-Tor explained.

The discovery has not only drawn attention due to its rarity but also to Ziv’s contribution to preserving Israel’s ancient history. Semyon Gendler, Judah Region District Archaeologist, praised Ziv and her family for their responsible action, awarding the young girl a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship.

The scarab amulet will be part of a special Passover exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, where it will be displayed alongside other recent archaeological finds from Egypt and Canaan, many of which are being shown to the public for the first time.

While such discoveries are rare, they are not entirely unusual in Israel. In recent months, other children have found significant ancient artifacts, including a cross medallion discovered on a school trip to Ein Kerem and a scarab amulet found by a 12-year-old in Hod Hasharon. These finds continue to highlight Israel’s rich archaeological heritage and the potential for discoveries in everyday locations.

Ziv’s find was made at the foot of Tel Azekah, an important archaeological site with a rich history. Excavations by Tel Aviv University have uncovered remains from the Judahite Kingdom, including city walls and agricultural structures. Tel Azekah is also historically significant for its association with the biblical battle between David and Goliath, as described in the Book of Samuel.

Prof. Oded Lipschits, the director of the Tel Aviv University excavation, welcomed Ziv and her family to view the find, highlighting the importance of the area. “We have been excavating here for almost 15 years, and the excavation findings show that during the Middle Bronze and Late Bronze Ages, here in Tel Azekah, thrived one of the most important cities in the Judean Lowlands,” Lipschits said. He added, “The scarab found by Ziv joins a long list of Egyptian and Canaanite finds discovered here, which attest to the close ties and cultural influences between Canaan and Egypt during that period.”

This remarkable discovery by a toddler serves as a reminder of the rich history beneath Israel’s landscape and the potential for future archaeological revelations.