US Teenager Discovers 3,300-Year-Old Amulet in Israel

By חדשות כיפה

Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba

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Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

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A 17-year-old American student, Shiloh Etton, discovered a 3,300-year-old amulet during a study tour at Tel Gezer National Park in Israel. The scarab seal, adorned with cobras, was dated to the Late Bronze Age and indicates ancient Egyptian influence. Etton received a certificate of appreciation for reporting the find to the Israel Antiquities Authority, which stressed the importance of reporting such discoveries.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

American student Shiloh Etton found a 3,300-year-old amulet at Tel Gezer National Park.
The scarab seal features two cobra figures and dates to the Late Bronze Age.
Professor Ido Koch identified the amulet's symbols as related to ancient Egyptian royalty.
Etton received a certificate of appreciation for reporting the find to the IAA.
The IAA emphasized the importance of reporting ancient discoveries for proper documentation.

A 17-year-old American high school student on his first trip to Israel discovered a 3,300-year-old amulet at the Tel Gezer National Park in the Judean foothills. Shiloh Etton, who had arrived in Israel two days prior as part of a MUSS high school study program, spotted the small object on the ground. After consulting with his guide, it was identified as an ancient scarab seal adorned with two cobra figures.

Etton expressed his disbelief, stating, "I didn't believe this was happening to me. A moment ago we were talking about the low chances of finding such a find, and here it is in my hand." He and his guide reported the discovery to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), and an inspector collected the amulet for the state's treasury. The IAA commended the responsible actions of the student and his guide, which ensured the artifact's preservation. Etton received a special certificate of appreciation for his find.

The amulet was examined by Professor Ido Koch from Tel Aviv University, who dated it to the Late Bronze Age. He explained that the two cobras likely symbolized royalty and protection in ancient Egypt, while the symbol beneath them represents the Egyptian word for "lord." Scarabs were used as amulets and sometimes seals, indicating significant Egyptian influence in the region thousands of years ago. The IAA reminded the public that any ancient finds should be left in place and immediately reported to the authority to allow for proper archaeological documentation.