3-Year-Old Girl Discovers 3,800-Year-Old Canaanite Scarab Amulet in Israel's Tel Azekah

In an astonishing discovery, 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan uncovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet in Tel Azekah, Israel, during a family outing. The Israel Antiquities Authority confirmed the artifact is from the Middle Bronze Age, reflecting the rich cultural exchange between Canaanites and Egyptians. Scarabs, shaped like dung beetles, symbolize spiritual concepts of life and creation in ancient cultures. This finding highlights Tel Azekah's historical significance as a major city in the Judean Lowlands, where extensive archaeological work, including those led by Tel Aviv University, continues to unearth valuable insights into ancient civilizations. Ziv's serendipitous find not only underscores the cultural and historical interconnectedness of the region but also contributes to our understanding of Canaanite and Egyptian interactions during this era. The enthusiastic participation of local communities, especially children, in archaeological discoveries brings an exciting and personal dimension to our exploration of history. This discovery serves as a reminder of the untapped historical wealth lying just beneath the surface, sometimes closer than we think.