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Toddler Unearths Ancient Scarab Amulet at Israeli Archaeological Site
In an astounding find at the Tel Azekah archaeological site in southern Israel, a young child discovered an ancient treasure. During a family excursion, a 3-year-old girl stumbled upon a scarab amulet, an artifact believed to be thousands of years old. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the precious object likely belonged to Canaanite communities and could date back approximately 3,800 years.
Discovery at Tel Azekah
The remarkable discovery occurred earlier this month at Tel Azekah, situated roughly 50 miles southeast of Tel Aviv. This historically significant location is an artificial mound, known as a tell, formed from the accumulated remains of successive settlements. It holds considerable biblical importance and attracts visitors and researchers alike.
Omer Nitzan, the sister of the young discoverer, Ziv Nitzan, recounted the incident to the IAA, noting that it took place in early March.
Recounting the moment of the find reported by the agency, Omer Nitzan explained, “We were strolling along a path when Ziv suddenly bent down and, remarkably, out of all the stones present, she picked up this specific stone.” She added, “Upon rubbing it and clearing away the sand, we noticed it was unlike the other stones.” Recognizing the potential significance, the family promptly brought the object to the attention of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Dating the Canaanite Artifact
Renowned expert Daphna Ben-Tor, a curator specializing in Egyptian archaeology at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, examined the artifact. Ben-Tor, whose expertise includes ancient amulets and seals, concluded that the small treasure originated during the Middle Bronze Age. This era, approximately from 2100 to 1600 B.C.E., was a period that saw the rise of a vibrant Canaanite civilization in the Levant. The Levant is understood to encompass areas of modern-day Syria and Lebanon, bordering the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Canaanites are identified as an ancient Semitic people inhabiting this region, frequently mentioned in biblical texts.
Scarab Amulets: Symbols of Ancient Egypt
According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, scarab amulets, such as the one unearthed by Nitzan, are small, decorated items shaped to resemble a dung beetle. These miniature treasures have origins in ancient Egypt, where the dung beetle was revered as “sacred” and considered “a symbol of rebirth” or even a representation of divinity.
In a statement, Ben-Tor elaborated on the function of these objects. “Scarabs during this period served both as seals and amulets,” she stated. “They have been discovered in burial sites, public buildings, and private residences. Occasionally, they bear symbols and messages that reflect religious beliefs or social standing.”
Archaeological Significance of Tel Azekah
Archaeologists have confirmed that Nitzan discovered the amulet in an area of Tel Azekah known for yielding historical artifacts in previous excavations. Other significant finds at the site include city walls and agricultural installations dating back to the Judahite Kingdom, which existed during the Iron Age in the last millennium B.C.E.
“For nearly 15 years, we have been conducting excavations here,” stated Professor Oded Lipschits of Tel Aviv University, who directed an archaeological dig at the location. “Our excavation discoveries indicate that Tel Azekah flourished as one of the most vital cities in the Judean Lowlands during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages.” He added, “Ziv’s scarab discovery enriches the extensive collection of Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts uncovered here, demonstrating the strong connections and cultural exchanges between Canaan and Egypt during that period.”
Scarab to be Exhibited
The Israel Antiquities Authority will showcase the remarkable scarab amulet in a special exhibition for Passover in mid-April, offering the public an opportunity to view this fascinating piece of history.