US high school student discovers 3,300-year-old amulet in Israel
Key Points:
- A 17-year-old American student, Shiloh Attoun, discovered a 3,300-year-old Egyptian-style scarab amulet during a school trip to Tel Gezer National Park in Israel, which was reported to and collected by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
- The amulet, dated to the Late Bronze Age, features two cobras above a semi-ellipse, symbols associated with ancient Egyptian royalty and protection, highlighting Egypt’s cultural influence in the region.
- Tel Gezer was a significant Canaanite city controlling a strategic crossroads, and the scarab find underscores the historical connections between ancient Egypt and the Land of Israel.
- The discovery was praised by educational and heritage officials as an example of responsible behavior by young visitors and the importance of connecting Diaspora Jews with Israel’s archaeological heritage.
- The IAA emphasized the importance of leaving archaeological finds in place and reporting them promptly to preserve historical context and facilitate proper documentation.