Toddler discovers 3,800-year-old scarab amulet in Israel

During a family outing at Tel Azekah in Israel, 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan discovered a 3,800-year-old scarab amulet, which experts later identified as a Canaanite artifact from the Middle Bronze Age. The scarab, recognized for its significance as a seal and amulet, reflects the ancient Egyptians' reverence for the beetle as a symbol of new life. Ziv's older sister, Omer, recounted how they realized the stone was special after brushing off the sand, prompting them to report the find to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Archaeologist Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor emphasized the cultural ties between Canaan and Egypt represented by such artifacts, noting that scarabs were often inscribed with symbols reflecting religious beliefs. This discovery adds to the rich archaeological findings at Tel Azekah, a site of significant historical importance linked to the biblical story of David and Goliath. The IAA confirmed the find and shared details through social media, highlighting the connection between the past and present.