3-Year-Old Girl Discovers 3,800-Year-Old Canaanite Scarab Amulet at Tel Azekah, Israel

A three-year-old girl, Ziv Nitzan, discovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab amulet while hiking with her family at Tel Azekah in Israel. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the discovery on April 2, 2025. Ziv's sister, Omer Nitzan, said that Ziv picked up a stone, and after cleaning it, the family realized it was an archaeological find and reported it to the IAA. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient amulets and seals, identified the artifact as a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age. Scarabs were used as seals and amulets and often bore symbols reflecting religious beliefs or status. Tel Azekah is an archaeological site known for ongoing excavations. The scarab, shaped like a dung beetle, was a sacred symbol in ancient Egypt, representing new life and rebirth. The Egyptian term for scarab is linked to "to come into being" or "to be created." Professor Oded Lipschits, director of the Tel Aviv University archaeological dig, noted that the discovery highlights Tel Azekah's importance during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages and reflects close ties between Canaan and Egypt. The amulet will be displayed at a Passover exhibit in Jerusalem.