A three-year-old girl discovered a 3,800-year-old seal (4 photos)
While on a family outing in Tel Azeka, Israel, three-year-old Ziv Nitzan found a Canaanite scarab seal at the site of the famous battle between David and Goliath. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has confirmed the authenticity of the 3,800-year-old artifact, highlighting its exceptional value. 
Ziv was walking around the neighborhood with her parents and two older sisters when a small rock caught her eye.
“We were walking along a path when Ziv suddenly bent down and picked up a stone,” said her sister Omer. After cleaning it, the family discovered that it was an ancient artifact. They immediately reported their find to the IAA.
A well-known symbol of ancient Egyptian culture, the scarab represents renewal and rebirth.
Dafna Ben-Tor, an expert in ancient artifacts, said that scarabs were often used as seals and amulets in those days. They were decorated with symbols and messages that reflected the religious beliefs and social status of their owners. 
After conducting an examination, Dr. Ben-Tor confirmed that the amulet is associated with the Canaanites, an ancient civilization mentioned in biblical texts and historical sources. These people inhabited the Levant and were known for their city-states. Tel Azeka itself is historically significant, as it is mentioned in the Bible as the site of the legendary battle between David and Goliath.
Chapter 17 of the First Book of Kings tells the story of a young shepherd named David, who defeated the giant warrior Goliath with a single stone and a sling, symbolizing the victory of faith and courage over seemingly insurmountable odds. 
The excavations at Tel Azeq have been ongoing for 15 years under the direction of researchers from Tel Aviv University. Professor Oded Lipshitz emphasized that a city flourished at this site during the Middle and Late Bronze Age. The scarab is one of many artifacts discovered in the area, demonstrating the cultural exchange between Canaan and Egypt during this era. 
The Israel Antiquities Authority awarded Ziv and her family a letter of thanks, and the scarab will be displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Center for Archaeology in Jerusalem.
“This find not only expands our knowledge of ancient civilizations, but also serves as a reminder of the wonders that may await us in our own backyard,” said IAA Director Eli Escusido.
