Little Girl's Sharp Eye Unearths a 3,800-Year-Old Biblical Amulet

Talk about a family trip to remember! A 3-year-old Israeli girl, Ziv Nitzan, uncovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite amulet during an outing to Tel Azeka, a hill in the Judaean Foothills. The artifact, described by experts as a scarab, dates back to the Middle Bronze Age and has ties to the biblical Canaanites, descendants of Noah's grandson Canaan, according to the Old Testament.

While most toddlers are busy collecting pebbles and leaves, Ziv had her Indiana Jones moment when she spotted the ancient artifact among a sea of stones. Her sister, Omer Nitzan, recounted to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), "Out of all the stones around her, she picked up this particular one. When she rubbed it and removed the sand, we knew it was something special." Talk about beginner's luck!

The scarabs, typically used as seals or amulets, were significant in ancient cultures. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor explained their importance, noting they were often found in graves, homes, and public spaces, bearing religious symbols or representing social status. A fascinating detail? The scarab's shape resembles a dung beetle, revered by Ancient Egyptians as a symbol of creation and new life.

Tel Azeka, where the discovery was made, has deep biblical roots—it’s mentioned in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:1. Ziv’s find adds to a long list of artifacts discovered in the area, showcasing the cultural exchange between Canaan and Egypt during the Bronze Age. Tel Aviv University professor Oded Lipschits, who’s been excavating there for 15 years, expressed his excitement over the addition.

As a token of appreciation, Ziv received a certificate from the IAA. Director Eli Escuido lauded the family’s contribution and announced plans to display the scarab in a special Passover exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel. Visitors will get a glimpse of other Egyptian and Canaanite treasures, including seals of the pharaohs and ritual vessels.

From casual stroll to archaeological discovery, Ziv’s keen eye reminds us that history sometimes lies just beneath our feet—or in this case, at toddler eye level!