In brief
Three-year-old Ziv Nitzan made an astonishing archaeological find while hiking in Israel, discovering a 3,800-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet. This remarkable discovery highlights the potential for young adventurers to contribute to archaeology.
In a remarkable turn of events, a 3-year-old girl in Israel has made a significant archaeological find during a family outing. Ziv Nitzan was exploring a dirt trail about 25 miles from Jerusalem last month when she spotted a small rock that piqued her interest. Attracted by the rock's texture, which she described as having "teeth on it," Ziv picked it up, and after clearing away the dirt, she realized she had discovered something extraordinary.The seemingly innocuous pebble was identified as a 3,800-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet, adorned with the likeness of the insect and dating back to the Bronze Age. This incredible find was later examined by experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority, who confirmed its historical significance.This enthusiastic young adventurer is not alone in her discovery; Israel's rich archaeological landscape has seen other youngsters uncovering hidden treasures in the past. For instance, last year, a 13-year-old found a Roman-era ring featuring an engraving of the goddess Minerva, while a 7-year-old previously discovered a well-preserved carving, roughly 3,400 years old, in the Beit She’an Valley. In addition to these, many other children have brought to light coins from periods of Roman or Hasmonean rule, underscoring how little explorers continue to play a vital role in revealing history.Ziv and her family’s day of hiking has now turned into a fascinating chapter of Israel's archaeological narrative, serving as a reminder of the richness of the past waiting to be uncovered by those with a curious eye. The Egyptian amulet will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition, allowing the public to appreciate this remarkable artifact discovered by a child's innocent curiosity.
