A 12-year-old girl hiking in Israel made an extraordinary discovery when she stumbled upon what she thought was an ordinary stone — but turned out to be a 3,500-year-old Egyptian amulet. The discovery sheds light on the ancient Egyptian influence in the region and has sparked widespread interest among archaeologists and historians.
A Stone That Wasn’t Just a Stone
The incredible find occurred near Tel Aviv, when young Dafna Filshteiner was out hiking with her mother. Initially, Dafna thought she had merely picked up a pebble, but something about it caught her eye. The stone appeared to have a decoration, and her instincts told her it was something far more significant.
“I showed it to my mother, and she said it was just an ordinary stone or a bead,” Dafna explained. “But then I saw a decoration and stubbornly insisted it was more than that, so we searched on the Internet.”
Their search led them to images of similar artifacts, and it became clear that what Dafna had found was an ancient object — not just a rock. Recognizing the potential importance of the item, the Filshteiners immediately contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) to have it properly assessed.
The Significance of the Find
Experts at the IAA, including Bronze Age specialist Yitzhak Paz, were quick to confirm the amulet’s historical value. Paz, who examined the find, revealed that the amulet was a small stone carved into the shape of a dung beetle, a design that was popular in ancient Egyptian culture.
The amulet features intricate carvings, including two scorpions positioned head-to-tail, which represent the Egyptian goddess Serket. In Egyptian mythology, Serket was the goddess of protection, particularly for pregnant women. The amulet also includes the hieroglyph “nefer,” meaning “good” or “chosen,” as well as a motif resembling a royal staff, a symbol often associated with the pharaohs.
“This is an incredibly exciting discovery. It provides us with a direct connection to Egypt’s New Kingdom period, a time when Egypt’s power reached into the Levant, including parts of what is now Israel,” Paz said.
Egypt’s Influence in the Region
The amulet’s age and design point to the New Kingdom period in Egypt (c. 1550–1070 BCE), a time when Egypt was at its peak. During this period, the Egyptian empire extended its influence well beyond its borders, and Egypt’s political and cultural sway reached as far as the Levant, including modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Syria.
It is believed that Egyptian artifacts like this amulet were brought to the region either through trade, diplomacy, or military campaigns. The fact that the amulet was found in Israel reinforces the idea of strong cross-cultural interactions between ancient Egypt and the peoples of the Levant.
Amulets like the one discovered by Dafna were commonly worn for protection and were often linked to Egyptian religious beliefs. The presence of such artifacts in areas outside Egypt indicates that the ancient Egyptians had an extensive network of influence.
The Power of Youth and Curiosity
This discovery also serves as a reminder of the value of curiosity and the role of young people in advancing historical knowledge. Dafna’s determination and keen eye for detail turned a simple hike into a groundbreaking moment in archaeology. While many would have passed the stone off as just another rock, Dafna’s persistence led to the discovery of an object that speaks to the deep historical connections between Egypt and Israel.
“I just knew it was something special,” Dafna said. “It was an amazing feeling when I found out what it really was.”
Her find has not only contributed to understanding the ancient world but also highlights the potential for future discoveries by young and passionate individuals.
Looking to the Future
The amulet is now in the care of the Israel Antiquities Authority, where it will be preserved and studied further. It is expected to provide new insights into the movement of people, culture, and ideas during the Bronze Age, particularly between Egypt and the Levant.
As for Dafna, she has become a local hero, celebrated for her curiosity and determination in uncovering a piece of history that had been hidden for millennia.
