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Ancient Amulet Discovered by Young Hiker in Israel's Heart

A three-year-old girl finds a 3,800-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet during a family hike, sparking excitement in the archaeological community.

By Jonathan WolfeSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Ancient Amulet Discovered by Young Hiker in Israel's Heart
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In a remarkable discovery, a three-year-old child hiking in Israel uncovered a timeless treasure; her find was a 3,800-year-old scarab amulet from the Bronze Age.

During a family outing along a scenic trail 25 miles from Jerusalem, young Ziv Nitzan was captivated by a small rock that appeared to have “teeth.” After picking it up and cleaning it, Ziv realized it was something extraordinary, as noted by her mother, Sivan Nitzan. The artifact, identified as an Egyptian amulet, will soon be showcased in a local exhibition, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority.This isn’t Ziv’s first venture into the realm of archaeology; Israel's rich history has previously seen other children make notable discoveries. Just last year, a 13-year-old found a Roman-era ring, and in 2016, a 7-year-old unearthed a well-preserved carving dating back 3,400 years. These discoveries reflect the bounty of history hidden within Israel’s landscape, often brought to light by the innocent curiosity of children exploring the world around them. As antiquities continue to surface, they remind us of the enduring connection to the past that lies just beneath the surface.

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