Ancient Amulet Unearthed by Toddler during Family Hike in Israel

Ziv Nitzan's remarkable find has reignited interest in Israel's rich historical treasures, showcasing how even the youngest can contribute to archaeology.

 

In a fascinating turn of events, a three-year-old girl named Ziv Nitzan uncovered a priceless piece of history while enjoying a family hike in Israel. The incident took place last month on a winding dirt trail located approximately 25 miles from Jerusalem, where Ziv stumbled upon a peculiar rock that piqued her curiosity. In a charming recount, Ziv described her fascination, saying, "It had teeth on it."

Upon picking it up and wiping off the dirt, she made an exciting discovery: the rock was a 3,800-year-old Egyptian amulet engraved with a scarab design, a significant artifact dating back to the Bronze Age. The Israel Antiquities Authority later confirmed the find and collected the amulet for preservation.

This remarkable discovery is not an isolated incident. Israel's rich tapestry of history has seen several young adventurers stumble upon valuable archaeological treasures. For example, in recent years, a thirteen-year-old boy discovered a Roman-era ring adorned with the engraving of the goddess Minerva while hiking on Mount Carmel. Additionally, a seven-year-old boy earlier found a well-preserved carving of a nude woman estimated to be 3,400 years old in the Beit She’an Valley. Many other children have also unearthed ancient coins from the period of Roman and Hasmonean dominance.

Ziv's finding emphasizes the idea that history is still very much within reach, with nature often sharing its secrets with those who take the time to explore. As the amulet prepares to make its public debut in an upcoming exhibition, it serves as a reminder of the endless stories hidden within Israel’s landscape, waiting for inquisitive eyes to discover them.