Ancient Canaanite Seal Discovered by Young Girl During Family Hike

During a family hike at Tel Azekah, near Beit Shemesh, Israel, three-and-a-half-year-old Ziv Nitzan made an extraordinary discovery—a rare Canaanite scarab seal dating back approximately 3,800 years. The ancient artifact, which originates from the Middle Bronze Age, will be showcased to the public during a special Passover exhibition at the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem.

The seal from Tel Azka. Photo by Emil Aljem, Israel Antiquities Authority

A Fortuitous Find

Earlier in March, Ziv Nitzan, from Moshav Ramot Meir, was walking along the trails of Tel Azekah with her family when she bent down and picked up what appeared to be an ordinary stone. Her older sister, Omer Nitzan, recounted the moment: “We were walking along the path when Ziv suddenly bent down and, out of all the stones around her, chose this one. She rubbed off the dirt and noticed it looked different. I called my parents to take a look, and we quickly realized we had found something significant. We immediately reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).”

An Exceptional Artifact

Simeon Gandler, the IAA’s regional archaeologist for the Judean district, praised Ziv and her family for reporting the find and awarded her a certificate of recognition for her good citizenship. The scarab seal will now be displayed as part of the IAA’s special Passover exhibition, featuring artifacts from ancient Egypt and Canaan, many of which are being presented to the public for the first time.

Dr. Dafna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient seals and amulets, identified the artifact as a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age. “Scarab seals served both as amulets and as personal stamps during this period. They were commonly found in tombs, public buildings, and private homes, often engraved with symbols and messages reflecting religious beliefs or social status,” she explained.

From right to left - Prof. Oded Lipshitz, Noga, Ziv and Omer Nitzan, and Semyon Gendler. Photo by Emil Aljem, Israel Antiquities Authority

The Scarab’s Significance

Scarab seals, small decorative objects originating in ancient Egypt, were crafted in the shape of dung beetles, a creature sacred to the Egyptians. These beetles, known for rolling balls of dung where they laid their eggs, symbolized regeneration and new life. The Egyptian word for scarab is derived from a verb meaning “to become” or “to be created,” reinforcing its association with the divine creator god.

Ziv’s discovery was made at the foot of Tel Azekah, a significant archaeological site in the Judean lowlands. The site has yielded evidence of various civilizations over millennia, including remains from the Kingdom of Judah, such as city walls and agricultural installations. Tel Azekah is also traditionally identified as the biblical battleground where David confronted Goliath.

The seal from Tel Azka. Photo by Emil Aljem, Israel Antiquities Authority

Strengthening the Connection Between Canaan and Egypt

“We have been excavating here for nearly 15 years, and findings suggest that during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, Tel Azekah was one of the most important cities in the region,” said Professor Oded Lipschits, director of the Tel Azekah excavation for Tel Aviv University. “The scarab found by Ziv adds to the growing body of Egyptian and Canaanite artifacts uncovered here, further demonstrating the strong cultural and political ties between Canaan and Egypt.”

The Israel Antiquities Authority will display the seal alongside Egyptian and Canaanite finds at the National Archaeological Center on Passover

A Remarkable Discovery by a Young Explorer

Amichai Eliyahu, Israel’s Minister of Heritage, highlighted the broader historical significance of the find: “The seal discovered by young Ziv during a family outing connects us to the grand story of the ancient civilizations that inhabited this land thousands of years ago. Her discovery is a reminder that in Israel, even children can take part in unearthing history.”

IAA Director Eli Eskosido commended Ziv’s responsible actions: “Ziv deserves praise for handing over the artifact to the national treasures of Israel. Thanks to her, everyone will be able to see and appreciate this remarkable piece of history.”

The scarab seal will be featured in the IAA’s special Passover exhibition at the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem, alongside other significant finds, including pharaohs’ seals, Egyptian statues, ritual objects, and evidence of Egyptian cultural influence in the ancient Land of Israel. The exhibition is open to the public, and further details are available on the IAA’s official website.