In brief
While hiking with family, three-year-old Ziv Nitzan discovered a 3,800-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet, demonstrating Israel's rich archaeological history.
The recent discovery made by a young girl in Israel has captivated the archaeological community and sparked interest worldwide. During a family hike approximately 25 miles from Jerusalem, 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan stumbled upon what she initially thought was just a curious pebble due to its unusual design. “It had teeth on it,” Ziv described in a translated interview, explaining her instinct to pick it up. Upon cleaning the dirt off the object, Ziv and her mother Sivan Nitzan realized it was, in fact, a significant artifact: a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet featuring a beautifully engraved scarab.The Israel Antiquities Authority was quick to respond, collecting the ancient amulet for further study and future exhibition. This remarkable discovery highlights the area's rich archaeological past; Israel has a long history of archaeological finds made by children. Last year, for example, a 13-year-old found a Roman-era ring adorned with the image of the goddess Minerva, and in 2016, a 7-year-old came across a 3,400-year-old carving while exploring a different site.Ziv's find not only marks an exciting moment for her and her family but also adds to the repertoire of treasures unearthed in a land steeped in history, reminding everyone of the mysteries that lie beneath our feet.
