Children love picking up rocks, sticks, and curious items during family walks. Sometimes it’s a pebble that ends up in the washing machine; other times, it’s a 3,800-year-old piece of history. That’s exactly what happened when three-year-old Ziv Nitzan bent down during a nature trip in southern Israel, scooped up what looked like a small stone, and unknowingly uncovered an ancient Egyptian-style scarab amulet from the Middle Bronze Age. In a moment, her childlike wonder linked modern family life to a nearly 4,000-year-old story.
A Small Handful of History
Ziv was out for a typical Saturday with her parents, Shahar and Sivan, and her two older sisters near Tel Azekah, an archaeological site around 40 miles south of Tel Aviv. Tel Azekah is famous as a spot steeped in centuries of building, destruction, and rebuilding. Some even connect it with the biblical standoff of David and Goliath. But on that warm morning, the Nitzan family had no plan beyond enjoying fresh air and a walk.
Ziv, a toddler known for grabbing every interesting pebble or twig, did just that. She spotted a small, rounded stone lying facedown. She picked it up, dusted it off, and saw strange markings. At first, her family shrugged—Ziv is always collecting random “treasures.” Then they realized the object looked suspiciously like a carved beetle design, complete with lines and details. It didn’t take Google Lens or special training for them to suspect they’d stumbled on something bigger than a random rock.
“My daughter always picks up anything that catches her eye,” Sivan shared, laughing about her little collector. “We’re used to finding leaves or shells in her pockets at laundry time. But never an ancient amulet.”
Uncovering the 3,800-Year-Old Scarab
The next day, the family contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) to confirm their hunch. When archaeologists saw the photos, they recognized it as an ancient Canaanite scarab from around 2100–1600 BCE, a time known as the Middle Bronze Age. Scarabs, shaped like dung beetles, were popular amulets in ancient Egypt. They also show up in Canaan, which had close cultural ties to Egypt during that era.
Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, curator for Egyptian archaeology at the Israel Museum, identified this piece as an authentic scarab. “Scarabs served as seals and amulets. People wore them in daily life or placed them in graves, public buildings, and private homes,” she said. The dung beetle held religious meaning for Egyptians, symbolizing renewal or new life. “Some have inscriptions or symbols reflecting belief systems or social rank,” she added.
That this artifact turned up in southern Israel at Tel Azekah isn’t exactly a random fluke. Archaeologists have uncovered ample evidence that local populations traded and mingled with Egyptian culture thousands of years ago. But the way this scarab popped out of the ground—in a toddler’s fingers—stirred extra excitement.
Tel Azekah: Layers of Ancient Life
Archaeological projects at Tel Azekah have been in progress for nearly 15 years, led by Tel Aviv University and other teams. They’ve found city walls, agricultural structures, and everyday tools from different time periods. Professor Oded Lipschits, who directs a dig there, calls it “one of the most significant cities in the Judean Lowlands” during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages.
He pointed out how the scarab amulet confirms strong cultural links between ancient Canaan and pharaonic Egypt. “Finding an object like this helps us reconstruct the trade routes, religious influences, and social practices that shaped the region,” Lipschits said.
But for the Nitzan family, the find is less about the academic aspects. “We have thousands of stones on that trail, and somehow Ziv singled out this one,” Sivan marveled. “It was facedown, so she literally turned it over. That’s the piece of magic in all this.”
A Certificate for a Tiny Discoverer
The IAA was so pleased with Ziv’s quick recognition (and the family’s honesty) that they awarded her a certificate of appreciation. It’s a tradition in Israel to encourage the public, even kids, to turn in archaeological finds. The IAA spokeswoman, Yoli Schwartz, says it happens a few times a year that a child stumbles on an artifact: “After heavy rain, the earth shifts, and items come to the surface. We have more than 35,000 known archaeological sites here, so it’s not unusual for amateurs to pick something up.”
Yet each instance feels like a minor miracle. Without public cooperation, precious cultural relics might vanish into private collections or never be recognized for what they are. In this case, the scarab is destined for a special exhibit the IAA is preparing for Passover, so thousands of visitors can witness this Bronze Age gem.
Lessons from a Little Girl’s Curiosity
What can we learn from a toddler’s spontaneous find? For starters, there’s the notion that everyday people can play a meaningful role in preserving culture. You don’t need a fancy degree or special equipment—just a careful eye and readiness to share your discovery. Then there’s the childlike sense of wonder, reminding us how open-mindedness often leads to breakthroughs. If everyone looked at their surroundings with Ziv’s curiosity, who knows what else might be lurking in the soil?
Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu praised the family for bridging modern life and ancient civilizations. “This small seal Ziv found underscores the grand stories from thousands of years ago,” he said. “It’s also a powerful example of how daily walks in Israel can unearth deep historical connections.”
Ties to the David and Goliath Legend?
Tel Azekah is frequently mentioned as part of the biblical account of David meeting Goliath in the Valley of Elah. The Philistines supposedly camped between Sokoh and Azekah, while the Israelites were nearby. Whether this newly found amulet has any direct link to that legendary conflict is unknown, but it underscores the historical layering. The region has seen countless battles, rebuilds, and cultural waves. One small artifact can open up fresh questions about who lived here, what they believed, and how they traded or allied with neighboring empires like Egypt.
A Toddler’s Footsteps Spark a Bigger Conversation
In many countries, if you find an artifact, you might run into legal grey areas or simply keep it in a box. In Israel, the Antiquities Authority invests significant effort to educate the public—especially children—on the importance of heritage. They visit schools, hold family-friendly events at excavation sites, and encourage reporting of new finds.
Ziv’s older sisters, ages 8 and 11, are apparently thrilled about the swirl of attention. An archaeologist might soon visit their classroom, turning a typical day into something special. Perhaps it will set the sisters on paths of scientific or cultural careers. Or maybe they’ll just hold onto the memory of “that time Ziv found a Bronze Age beetle amulet on a random weekend.”
Could the Public Help More?
Yes, absolutely. The world’s museums contain huge collections, but the daily wear of time, weather, and modern development can expose more relics. If more families had a sense of stewardship, smaller items wouldn’t get lost or sold on the black market. A single amulet might not rewrite entire historical narratives, but each object adds a piece of the puzzle.
Israel’s IAA encourages hikers to keep an eye out after storms or in newly eroded terrain. Tourists can do the same, though they must be aware of local laws about removing stones or shells. If you find something suspiciously shaped or etched, photograph it in place, note the location, and contact local authorities. They may guide you to pick it up carefully or let them do it.
Opening Doors to Ancient Egypt
Though the piece is described as a “Canaanite scarab,” its design is strongly influenced by the spiritual worldview of ancient Egypt. The scarab dung beetle symbol—representing renewal, rebirth, and protective powers—was extremely popular across the region. That cultural cross-pollination is partly why these scarabs show up in Israel and other places beyond the Nile.
Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor noted that amulets were probably worn or used as personal seals. Some had inscriptions praising Egyptian deities or referencing the pharaoh’s name. Others simply carried geometric designs. The fact that scarabs traveled so far from the heart of Egypt means there was robust commerce and intermingling.
The Joy of Real-Life Explorations
While big excavations at famous sites might uncover palaces or city walls, a child’s small find can be no less meaningful. The timeline for the Bronze Age is so distant that 3,800 years can be hard to fathom. Yet in the hands of a three-year-old, that entire chunk of history is reduced to a palm-sized seal. “Ziv isn’t old enough to grasp the magnitude,” Sivan said, “but her sisters realize it’s epic.”
To Sivan and Shahar, it’s a story they’ll retell at family gatherings for decades. For archaeologists, it’s a data point that confirms Tel Azekah had contact with Egyptian influences. For the broader Israeli community, it’s a tiny triumph—an example of how heritage belongs to everyone. Maybe it will prompt new families to visit archaeological sites, volunteer, or just let their children roam a bit more, eyes on the ground.
Where You Can See It
The scarab is set to appear in a special exhibit for Passover at the Israel Antiquities Authority’s main campus. Alongside other new finds from the Bronze Age, it will likely draw crowds. People might be especially drawn to the “wow factor”: the idea that a typical family stroll turned into an Indiana Jones moment. The IAA hopes it highlights the synergy between official archaeologists and everyday nature lovers.
A Wider Pattern of Chance Discoveries
Israel is known for frequent accidental finds, from kids discovering ancient coins to hikers stumbling upon old swords. Because the land has thousands of archaeological sites—some hidden under modern roads or farmland—earthquakes, construction, or just heavy rains can shift soil. That reveals glimpses of civilizations lost to time. The authorities estimate a few kids each year unearth something historic. It’s not always a big story, but each artifact is valuable to the puzzle of the past.
Final Word: The Childhood Wonder that Bridges Millennia
From the vantage point of adult life, it’s tempting to ignore that random rock or assume we’d never be the ones to find anything special. But Ziv’s story is a gentle reminder that sometimes the universe hides secrets in plain sight, waiting for a child to come along. Her father, Shahar, sums it up: “She’s always been curious, always picking up everything. This time it paid off in a big way.”
As families flock to local trails or tourist sites, consider letting your kids indulge that sense of exploration. If you do see something unusual, snap a photo and check in with local experts. You never know—it might rewrite a small corner of history, connecting your present-day steps to an ancient civilization you never expected to meet.
And so ends the tale of a toddler’s basic curiosity bridging thousands of years. The scuffed up “rock” turned out to be a Bronze Age treasure, introducing a fresh chapter in a region steeped in deep narratives. That’s the power of a child’s eyes—and the reason we all might want to keep glancing down once in a while, just to see what wonders lie at our feet.