Three-year-old Ziv Nitzan discovered a 3,800-year-old scarab amulet during a family trip to Tel Azekah, Israel in March. The Israel Antiquities Authority revealed this extraordinary find in a Facebook post on April 2, applauding the young girl for her accidental discovery. Ziv was walking along the path with her family when she picked up a stone and upon cleaning off the sand, they realized it was an archaeological treasure. Her sister, Omer Nitzan, shared the excitement, stating, “We saw something was different about it. I called my parents to come see the beautiful stone, and we realized we had discovered an archaeological find!”
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Experts identified the artifact as a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age, dating back to around 3,800 years ago. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, a specialist in ancient amulets and seals, explained that scarabs were used as both seals and amulets during that period. These items were significant in reflecting religious beliefs and social status. They were commonly found in graves, public buildings, and private homes, showcasing their cultural importance. The scarab found by Ziv adds to the long list of Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts discovered in Tel Azekah, emphasizing the historical ties between Canaan and Egypt in that era.
The beetle-shaped scarab holds religious symbolism for the ancient Egyptians, representing new life due to the dung ball it created for its eggs. As a sacred symbol, the scarab also bore religious messages and meanings for the Egyptians. Tel Azekah is not only a site rich in archaeological discoveries but is also known for its biblical significance as it was the backdrop for the battle between David and Goliath in the Book of Samuel. Prof. Oded Lipschits from Tel Aviv University highlighted the cultural influence and close ties between Canaan and Egypt during that period, shedding light on the historical context of the scarab found by young Ziv.
Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu commended Ziv for her discovery, noting how the scarab connects present-day Israel to its ancient civilizations. The Israel Antiquities Authority hailed Ziv and her family for promptly reporting the find, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in uncovering history. Ziv was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her contribution and the scarab will be displayed at an upcoming exhibition alongside other ancient artifacts from Egypt and Canaan. This display aims to showcase the rich historical heritage of the region and educate the public on its archaeological significance.
Ziv’s accidental discovery serves as a reminder of the vast history embedded in the land of Israel and the opportunities for even the youngest explorers to engage with the past. The Israel Antiquities Authority expressed gratitude for Ziv’s vigilant eye and curiosity, underscoring the role of children in preserving and unveiling the historic treasures of the region. The scarab amulet found by Ziv represents a tangible link to the ancient civilizations that thrived in that area thousands of years ago, encapsulating the enduring allure of archaeology and its power to connect us to our past.