Imagine a toddler’s innocent curiosity leading to the discovery of a 3,800-year-old treasure—a story that sounds like something out of a fairy tale, but it’s entirely real. In late 2025, a three-year-old girl named Ziv stumbled upon what she thought was a 'beautiful stone' during a family walk at Tel Azekah, a historic site in central Israel. Little did she know, this unassuming find would rewrite a chapter of ancient history.
But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this wasn’t just any stone. Israeli officials confirmed in early January 2026 that the object is a Canaanite scarab amulet, a symbol of ancient Egyptian culture dating back to the Middle Bronze Age (1800–1600 BCE). This tiny artifact is now a star addition to Israel’s state antiquities collection and will soon be showcased in a national exhibition celebrating Egyptian influence in ancient Canaan. And this is the part most people miss—it was found entirely by chance, with no archaeologists, tools, or historical intent involved.
The discovery has reignited debates among scholars about the depth of cultural exchange in the southern Levant during the second millennium BCE. Was this scarab a sign of Egyptian political dominance, or simply a local imitation of Egyptian artistry? The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has praised Ziv’s family for their quick reporting, which aligns with Israeli law requiring all antiquities to be state property. Yet, the find raises questions: How many more treasures are hiding in plain sight, waiting for curious eyes like Ziv’s to uncover them?
Ziv’s brother, Omer, recalled the moment vividly: ‘She bent down, picked it up, and rubbed off the sand. We realized it was something extraordinary.’ Experts identified the object as a dung beetle-shaped amulet, a symbol of regeneration and royal power in ancient Egypt. Such scarabs were used in ceremonies and administration, found across Egypt and its influenced regions. Tel Azekah, just 30 kilometers from Jerusalem, has been a treasure trove for archaeologists for over a decade, linked to biblical tales like the battle of David and Goliath. Professor Oded Lipschits, leading the excavation, noted its significance as a thriving city during the Bronze Age.
But here’s the controversial part: While some scholars argue these scarabs signify Egyptian political control, others believe they were locally crafted, inspired by Egyptian designs. Which interpretation do you lean toward? The IAA hasn’t yet revealed details about the scarab’s internal design, but its preservation is remarkable. This accidental find highlights the importance of public awareness in archaeological ethics—visitors are urged to report unusual objects rather than remove them.
The scarab’s discovery has prompted archaeologists to re-examine Tel Azekah’s surface layers, suggesting erosion or incomplete surveys may have exposed hidden artifacts. While no new excavations are planned, the find underscores the site’s untapped potential. As Eli Escusido, IAA Director, put it: ‘Thanks to her, everyone will be able to see it and enjoy it.’
This story isn’t just about a lost artifact—it’s a reminder that history is often hiding in plain sight, waiting for curious minds to uncover it. What do you think? Could there be more ancient treasures waiting to be found by everyday people like you and me? Share your thoughts below!
