A 17-year-old American high school student visiting Israel discovered a 3,300-year-old Egyptian-style amulet during a tour of Tel Gezer National Park, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced. Shiloh Attoun, who had recently arrived in Israel to study at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Muss High School Israel, found the scarab-shaped artifact on the ground during his class’s first excursion.
"As we were learning about Tel Gezer’s history and archaeology, I noticed a small, interesting object on the ground. It looked ancient," Attoun said. "I picked it up and consulted my guide. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me—a moment ago we were talking about the slim chances of ever discovering such a find, and here it was right in my hand!"
Attoun and Benji Hain, dean of students at Muss, reported the discovery to the Israel Antiquities Authority. Archaeologist Adam William Asper, an IAA supervisor, collected the artifact for Israel’s National Treasures collection. Attoun received a certificate of appreciation for his responsible action.
Professor Ido Koch of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures dated the amulet to the Late Bronze Age, approximately 3,300 years ago. The scarab features a scene with two cobras above a semi-ellipse. According to Koch, the cobra, known in ancient Egyptian iconography as the Uraeus, was a widespread protective and royal symbol in Egypt and the southern Levant. The semi-ellipse represents the Egyptian hieroglyphic sign “nb,” meaning “lord.”
Scarabs, amulets modeled after the dung beetle, were common in ancient Egypt and symbolized creation and new life. Their discovery in Israel attests to ancient Egypt’s cultural influence and connections with the Land of Israel during periods of Egyptian rule.
Tel Gezer was a significant Canaanite city controlling a strategic crossroads in the Judean Lowlands and is now part of Tel Gezer National Park.
"This discovery sparked great excitement among the students," Hain said. "As soon as we realized that this might be a significant archaeological find, it was important for us to immediately contact the Israel Antiquities Authority, report it and ensure that we were acting in the right way."
Mitzpe Eliyahu, the IAA’s Central Region educational director, praised Attoun and his instructors for their responsible conduct. "Shiloh’s story is a charming example of the connection forged between the young people who come to study in Israel and the country’s history and archaeology, through firsthand experience in the field," Melman said.
Tali Tzour Avner, director of Jewish National Fund-USA in Israel, noted that the discovery exemplified the organization’s goal of providing immersive experiences for young visitors. "Already on his very first trip, he got to know the country on foot and met a piece of its history up close," she said.
Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu commended Attoun for his discovery and for responsibly handing over the ancient amulet to the state. The IAA reminded the public that discovered archaeological artifacts should be left in place and reported immediately to the authority to ensure proper documentation and preservation.