Young Israeli Hiker Finds 3,500-Year-Old Egyptian Amulet

During a family hike near the archaeological site of Tel Qana, 12-year-old Dafna Filshteiner made a remarkable discovery: a 3,500-year-old Egyptian scarab amulet. The find, dating back to Egypt's New Kingdom period (16th–11th centuries BCE), provides new insights into the region’s history and Egypt’s cultural influence over 3,000 years ago.

Dafna stumbled upon the artifact while searching for porcupine quills and smooth stones near Hod Hasharon, northeast of Tel Aviv. Initially dismissed by her mother as an ordinary rock, Dafna’s curiosity and online research revealed the item’s significance. The family contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which confirmed the artifact’s authenticity.

The amulet, shaped like a dung beetle, features intricate carvings, including two scorpions positioned head to tail. Yitzhak Paz, a Bronze Age expert at the IAA, explained that the scorpion symbol represented Serket, the Egyptian goddess who protected pregnant women. The amulet also bears the nefer symbol, meaning “good” or “chosen,” and a symbol resembling a royal staff.

Scarabs were sacred in ancient Egypt, symbolizing new life and divine creation. These artifacts were often used as amulets or seals, and their widespread distribution reflects Egypt’s cultural reach. “It may have been dropped by an important figure passing through or deliberately buried,” Paz suggested.

The discovery underscores Egypt’s influence in the region during the Bronze Age, particularly in the Yarkon area. Tel Qana, the archaeological site near where the scarab was found, has yielded numerous artifacts with similar motifs. Amit Dagan of Bar-Ilan University and Ayelet Dayan of the IAA noted that the scarab provides valuable context for understanding Egypt’s presence in ancient Canaan.

The amulet will be displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel in Jerusalem, offering the public a chance to view this extraordinary piece of history. Dafna and her family were awarded a certificate of excellence for their good citizenship in reporting the discovery.

“This find is both exciting and significant,” said Dagan and Dayan. “It provides new insights into Egyptian influence in the region and highlights the importance of Tel Qana as a site of historical significance.”

This remarkable find not only highlights the enduring ties between ancient Egypt and the Land of Israel but also underscores how curiosity and determination can unearth pieces of history. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter for more fascinating archaeological discoveries.