History at her fingertips: Israeli toddler discovers 3,800-year-old scarab

At just three and a half years old, Ziv Nitzan has already made a discovery that most archaeologists only dream of.

While on a family outing in central Israel, the curious toddler bent down to pick up what she thought was an ordinary stone. Instead, she unearthed a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Tuesday.

Early in March, the Nitzan family was walking along a path at Tel Azekah when Ziv’s sharp little eyes spotted something unusual. “Out of all the stones around her, she picked up this one,” recalled her sister, Omer Nitzan. “When she rubbed off the sand, we saw that it looked different. I called my parents over, and we realized we had found something special. We immediately reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority.”

Ziv’s discovery was made at the foot of Tel Azekah, a Bronze Age archaeological site associated with the Biblical battle of David and Goliath. Excavations at the site have already uncovered city walls, fortifications, agricultural installations, and other artifacts.

Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient seals and amulets, identified the artifact as a Canaanite scarab dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. “Scarabs were used in this period as seals and as amulets,” she explained. “They were found in graves, public buildings, and private homes. Some bear symbols and inscriptions that reflect religious beliefs or social status.”

Prof. Oded Lipschits, director of the Tel Aviv University excavation at Tel Azeka, was excited to see the find firsthand. “We have been excavating here for almost 15 years, and our discoveries show that during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, Tel Azekah was one of the most important cities in the Judean Lowlands,” he said. “The scarab Ziv found is part of a long list of Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts discovered here, illustrating the strong cultural ties between Canaan and Egypt in that era.”

The family’s quick action earned young Ziv a certificate of appreciation from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The scarab amulet will now be displayed in a special exhibition for Passover in Jerusalem alongside other ancient artifacts.

“This small scarab connects us to the grand story of ancient civilizations that lived in this land thousands of years ago. It also reminds us that in the Land of Israel, even children can take part in uncovering history,” said Israeli Minister of Heritage, Amichai Eliyahu.

Antiquities Authority director Eli Escusido, praised Ziv and her family for their role in preserving history. “Ziv and her family deserve great appreciation for ensuring this important find was handed over to the National Treasures of Israel,” he said. “Thanks to her, everyone will be able to see and appreciate it.”