Tel Azeka, an archaeological site located 30 kilometers from Jerusalem, Israel, was the scene of the discovery of a highly valuable piece belonging to Ancient Egypt. Ziv, a 3-year-old girl walking with her family through the site, found a stone that looked different from the others and caught her attention. After the discovery, the family contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority, who classified the object as an ancient Canaanite amulet from 3,800 years ago.
However, after further investigation, it was determined that it was a seal from the Middle Bronze Age; an ornamental object in the shape of a dung beetle originating from Egypt. According to the ancient relics expert, Daphna Ben-Tor, beetles were used as seals and amulets, and they have been found both in tombs and in private homes.Professor Oded Lipschits from Tel Aviv University and director of the excavation explained that after 15 years of excavations, “findings show that during the Middle and Late Bronze Age, one of the most important cities in the Judean lowlands thrived here.”
Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, declared that the discovery of Ziv demonstrated the ties that existed between Egypt and Canaan, and he also thanked them for notifying the authorities so that the discovery would end up in the National Treasures of Israel.
Tel Azeka
Also known as Tell Zakariya, it is an archaeological site where the ancient biblical city of Azekah used to rest. It is located in Israel, 45 kilometers from Tel Aviv and 30 kilometers from Jerusalem. Its main importance lies in the number of archaeological excavations that have been carried out in this area, revealing historical information dating from the Canaanite period and earlier. This site is currently located within the boundaries of Britannia Park, a natural park where you can walk along its trails and enjoy the panoramic views it offers.
A very young archaeologist
At only 3 years old, Ziv walked these paths of the Tel Azeka sites with his family when a type of stone caught his attention. It was different from the others, and that made him pick it up and clean it. He showed it to his brother and family, and they saw that it was something completely different. Along the way, they alerted the Israeli Antiquities Authority, and it was then that they realized the magnitude of the find.
A treasure in the shape of a stone?
The researchers could not believe their eyes! Initially, the authorities determined that it was an ancient Canaanite amulet from 3,800 years ago, but later investigations corrected that classification. It was a seal from the Middle Bronze Age, originating from Egypt, with a design of a dung beetle that served as an ornamental object. The presence of beetles was common in the sites of ancient Egyptians, who considered them sacred. They were a symbol of beginning or new life.
According to the expert in ancient relics, Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, during that period, beetles were used as seals and amulets. They have been found in tombs, public buildings, and private homes. Sometimes they contain symbols and messages that reflect religious beliefs or social status.” For his part, Professor Oded Lipschits from Tel Aviv University and director of the excavation stated, “We have been excavating for almost 15 years, and the findings show that during the Middle and Late Bronze Age, one of the most important cities in the Judean lowlands thrived here”.
Where is the amulet now?
Ziv and her family handed it over to the authorities from the very first moment, which is why they are the ones guarding him. This new discovery reinforces the belief that there were ties between Canaan and Egypt, which is why it has become part of the list of Egyptian and Canaanite finds discovered in that area.
Eli Escusido, director of the Israeli Antiquities Authority, thanked the girl and her family for handing them over to the authorities and allowing it to be a piece that everyone can admire; Ziv and her family deserve praise for delivering the find to the National Treasures of the State of Israel. […] Thanks to her, everyone will be able to see it and enjoy it. In the special exhibition we are preparing, we will present for the first time impressive pieces such as pharaonic seals, Egyptian statues, ritual vessels, and evidence of Egyptian cultural influence in Israel.