In an extraordinary moment that blends the innocence of childhood with the weight of ancient history, three-year-old Ziv Nitzan stumbled upon a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet during a family hike at Tel Azekah, Israel—the very site where the Bible recounts David’s legendary victory over the Philistine giant Goliath. This remarkable discovery not only illuminates the deep cultural ties between Canaan and ancient Egypt but also captures the wonder of a child’s curiosity uncovering a piece of the past.
A Child’s Discovery at a Biblical Landmark
Tel Azekah, nestled in the Judean Lowlands, is a place steeped in biblical significance. According to the Book of Samuel (1 Samuel 17:1), it was here that young David faced and defeated Goliath, a story that has resonated through millennia. Today, the site is a thriving archaeological hub, where excavations have revealed layers of history stretching back to the Bronze Age. It was on this hallowed ground that Ziv, a toddler from Moshav Ramot Meir, made an astonishing find during a family outing with her parents and two older sisters.
As the family strolled along a path at the foot of Tel Azekah, Ziv bent down and picked up what appeared to be an ordinary stone. “Out of all the stones around her, she chose this one,” her sister Omer recounted in a post by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). When Ziv brushed away the sand, the family realized they were holding something extraordinary—a beautifully preserved scarab amulet. Recognizing its significance, they promptly reported the discovery to the IAA, earning Ziv a certificate of appreciation for her good citizenship. The artifact will soon be showcased in a special Passover exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, alongside other treasures from ancient Egypt and Canaan.
A Window into the Bronze Age
Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient amulets and seals, examined Ziv’s find and identified it as a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age, dating back approximately 3,800 years. These scarab-shaped artifacts, inspired by the sacred dung beetle of ancient Egypt, were far more than decorative trinkets. “Scarabs were used as seals and amulets,” Dr. Ben-Tor explained. “Found in graves, public buildings, and private homes, they often bore symbols and messages reflecting religious beliefs or social status.
In ancient Egyptian culture, the scarab beetle, known as hprr—meaning “rising from, come into being itself”—was a powerful symbol of creation and renewal. The beetle’s habit of rolling dung balls, within which it laid its eggs, was seen as a divine metaphor for new life and the incarnation of the Creator God. The presence of such an amulet at Tel Azekah underscores the profound cultural and trade connections between Canaan and Egypt during the Bronze Age, a period when ideas, goods, and symbols flowed freely across the ancient Near East.
Tel Azekah: A Crossroads of History
Tel Azekah has been a focal point of archaeological exploration for nearly 15 years, led by Professor Oded Lipschits of Tel Aviv University. “During the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, Tel Azekah was one of the most significant cities in the Judean Lowlands,” Lipschits noted. The site has yielded a wealth of Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts, each piece adding to the story of a vibrant region shaped by cultural exchange. “The scarab found by Ziv joins a long list of discoveries here that attest to the close ties between Canaan and Egypt,” he added, having personally met Ziv and her family to celebrate the find.
The discovery is a testament to the site’s enduring significance, both as a biblical landmark and a historical treasure trove. The scarab’s proximity to the place where David’s triumph is said to have occurred adds a layer of spiritual resonance, connecting the tangible past with the timeless narratives of faith.
A Child’s Legacy in Unearthing History
The IAA and Israeli officials have hailed Ziv’s discovery as a moment of national pride. IAA Director Eli Escusido praised the toddler and her family, stating, “Thanks to Ziv, everyone will be able to see and enjoy this remarkable find.” Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu echoed this sentiment, noting, “The seal Ziv found connects us to the grand story of the ancient civilizations that lived in this land thousands of years ago. It reminds us that in the Land of Israel, even children can be part of discovering history.”
Ziv’s find is more than an archaeological triumph—it’s a reminder of the magic that unfolds when curiosity meets opportunity. A toddler’s innocent act of picking up a stone has unearthed a piece of history, linking the modern world to the ancient civilizations that once thrived at Tel Azekah. As this Canaanite scarab takes its place in a museum display, it will inspire countless visitors to marvel at the enduring power of discovery, no matter how small the hands that uncover it.