During a casual family hike in Israel, 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan stumbled upon a discovery most archaeologists can only dream of: a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age.
Ziv noticed what looked like an ordinary stone near the Tel Azekah archaeological site, but when she picked it up and wiped it clean, it turned out to be an intricately carved artifact. Her siblings quickly realized it was something special and told their parents—who later turned it in to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
“There were thousands of rocks out there, and this one was upside down. But somehow, she picked the right one,” said Ziv’s mom, Sivan Nitzan, to The Washington Post.
Scarabs are small beetle-shaped objects that originated in ancient Egypt. Considered sacred, these beetles symbolized life, creation, and rebirth. Egyptians believed the scarab’s dung-rolling behavior echoed the sun god rolling the sun across the sky. They also used scarabs as seals and amulets, often bearing religious or social symbols.
Experts say this particular scarab was likely used in both public and private settings and could have belonged to someone of status during the Middle Bronze Age.
Ziv made her discovery at Tel Azekah, a historically rich site near Beit Shemesh mentioned in the Bible as the location of the battle between David and Goliath. Archaeologists say the area was once a major city and crossroads in the Judean Lowlands, with strong cultural links between Canaan and ancient Egypt.
“This scarab is just one of many discoveries that show how deeply connected the two cultures were,” said Oded Lipschits, a lead archaeologist from Tel Aviv University.
As a thank-you, the IAA awarded young Ziv a certificate of good citizenship and plans to feature the scarab in an upcoming exhibition at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel. It will be displayed alongside never-before-seen Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts, including pharaoh seals, statues, and ceremonial items.
“If she had just taken it home, we might never have known it existed,” said IAA spokesperson Yoli Schwartz. “We’re thrilled to share it with the public.”
