During a family outing in early March 2025, three-year-old Ziv Nitzan made a remarkable discovery at Tel Azekah, an archaeological site near Beit Shemesh, Israel. While exploring the area, Ziv picked up what appeared to be an ordinary stone. Upon closer inspection, her family realized it was an ancient scarab amulet dating back approximately 3,800 years to the Middle Bronze Age. ​

Experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) identified the artifact as a Canaanite scarab, commonly used as a seal or amulet during that period. Scarabs, shaped like dung beetles, held significant religious symbolism in ancient Egypt, representing new life and rebirth. ​

Tel Azekah holds historical significance, believed to be the biblical site of the battle between David and Goliath. The area has yielded numerous artifacts over the years, highlighting the cultural exchanges between ancient Egypt and Canaan.

In recognition of her find, Ziv received a certificate of appreciation from the IAA. The scarab will be displayed during Passover at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, alongside other artifacts from the same era.