Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Azekah

Tel Azekah, Apr 4: In a discovery that has stunned archaeologists and captured hearts across Israel, a three-year-old girl, Ziv Nitzan, stumbled upon an ancient scarab amulet believed to date back nearly 3,800 years, during a family trip to the Tel Azekah archaeological site in southern Israel.

Ziv was walking along a path when she picked up what appeared to be an unusual stone. Her sister, Omer Nitzan, quickly realised it was something special. “Out of all the stones around her, she picked up this one,” Omer recounted. “We called our parents, and that’s when we understood it was an archaeological find.”

The family promptly contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which confirmed the artifact's historic value and awarded Ziv a certificate of appreciation for her responsible act. The amulet, or scarab, is thought to originate from the ancient Canaanite civilization and was likely crafted in Egypt before making its way to the region.

"This scarab joins a long list of Egyptian and Canaanite relics found here, showing deep cultural links between ancient Canaan and Egypt," said Prof. Oded Lipschits, director of the Tel Aviv University excavation team, which has been active at Tel Azekah for 15 years.

IAA director Eli Escusido lauded the family’s gesture, saying, “Thanks to Ziv’s find, the entire nation can appreciate this treasure. It will go on display in a special Passover exhibition.”
Experts explained that such scarabs symbolized new life to ancient Egyptians and were used as amulets, seals, or in religious rituals. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient amulets, noted, “They were often found in graves, homes, and public buildings—each carrying symbols or messages reflecting faith and status.”

Tel Azekah is believed to be the site of the biblical battle between David and Goliath, adding further significance to the young girl’s find.