A remarkable discovery has been made by a three-year-old Israeli girl, who uncovered a Canaanite scarab-shaped amulet believed to date back approximately 3,800 years. The find was made at Tel Azeka, an archaeological site located near Bet Shemesh, an area mentioned in the Bible as the location of the epic battle between David and the giant Goliath.
Ziv Nitzan, from Moshav Ramot Meir, was hiking with her family when she spotted what appeared to be a small stone. “We were walking along the path, and then Ziv bent down – and out of all the stones around her, she picked up this particular stone,” said her sister, Omer Nitzan. Upon rubbing the stone to remove the sand, the family quickly realized that they had discovered an artifact of historical significance and immediately reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
The scarab amulet that Ziv found is associated with ancient Egyptian culture. Scarabs, sacred symbols of renewal in Egypt, were believed to embody life from decay, as the beetles laid their eggs in dung balls, representing the cycle of life. In ancient Egypt, scarabs were often used as seals and amulets, and they were commonly found in graves, homes, and public buildings. They sometimes bore symbols that reflected religious beliefs or social status.
Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, an expert in the field, confirmed that the scarab discovered at Tel Azeka is culturally tied to the Canaanites, an ancient people mentioned in both the Bible and other historical texts. The Canaanites were prominent in the Levant, and their cities were ruled by local kings.
Tel Azeka is a significant biblical site, particularly noted for its mention in the story of David and Goliath, as recounted in the First Book of Samuel (17:1). The city was known to have thrived during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages (2000-1000 BCE), making it one of the most important cities in the Judean Lowlands during that period.
The discovery of the scarab adds to a long list of Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts found in the area. According to Prof. Oded Lipschits, the excavation director at Tel Azeka, this scarab is a testament to the cultural and historical ties between the Canaanites and Egyptians during this era.
The scarab will be featured in a special exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem. The exhibit, which coincides with the Passover season, will showcase impressive items such as pharaoh seals, Egyptian statues, ritual vessels, and evidence of the cultural exchange between Egypt and the ancient Land of Israel.
IAA Director Eli Escusido highlighted the significance of the find, noting that the exhibition will provide the public with a rare opportunity to see these extraordinary artifacts up close.
Ziv Nitzan’s discovery not only adds to the historical understanding of the region but also serves as a reminder of the remarkable stories and connections found in the world’s ancient past.
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