In an extraordinary turn of events, a 3-year-old girl named Ziv Nitzan stumbled upon an ancient treasure during a family outing in southern Israel earlier this month. While exploring the historically rich archaeological site known as Tel Azekah, located roughly 50 miles southeast of Tel Aviv, Ziv uncovered a scarab amulet thought to date back approximately 3,800 years—a relic from the Canaanite communities.

The discovery took place in early March, as the Nitzan family was enjoying a day at the site, which holds profound biblical significance. Tel Azekah itself is a unique hill formed from layers upon layers of settlements accumulated over centuries, providing a captivating glimpse into the past.

According to Ziv's sister, Omer Nitzan, the moment of discovery was serendipitous. "We were walking along the path, and then Ziv bent down—out of all the stones around her, she picked up this particular stone. When she brushed it off to reveal its surface, we quickly realized it was something special," she recounted.

The family promptly reported the find to the Israel Antiquities Authority. Daphna Ben-Tor, a curator specializing in Egyptian archaeology at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, swiftly determined the amulet's origin. This piece belongs to the Middle Bronze Age period, which spanned from about 2100 to 1600 B.C.E. During this era, the Canaanite culture flourished across the Levant, an area corresponding to parts of present-day Syria and Lebanon.

Scarabs like the one discovered by Ziv were not merely decorative; these small, ornate objects were revered and emulated the sacred dung beetle, symbolic of rebirth and divine protection in ancient Egyptian culture. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, such amulets could be found in graves, homes, and public spaces, often bearing inscriptions that communicated religious messages or indicated the status of their owners.

This particular scarab was discovered in a portion of Tel Azekah rich with historical artifacts, including remnants of ancient city walls and agricultural structures linked to the Judahite Kingdom from the Iron Age, which thrived in the region during the last millennium before the common era.

Leading expert Oded Lipschits, a professor at Tel Aviv University and head of the archaeological dig at Tel Azekah, expressed his excitement over the find: "We have been excavating here for nearly 15 years, and the artifacts unearthed reveal that Tel Azekah was a vital city during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages. The scarab found by Ziv adds to our extensive collection of Egyptian and Canaanite discoveries, highlighting the profound cultural exchanges between these ancient civilizations."

As evidence of this significant archaeological find, the scarab amulet will be showcased in a special exhibit organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority, coinciding with the celebrations of Passover in mid-April. Don't miss this chance to witness a piece of history uncovered by a curious toddler!