Tel Gezer, also known as Gezer, is located in central Israel, midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It is one of Israel’s most significant archaeological and biblical sites, appearing in the books of Joshua, Judges, Kings, and Chronicles. According to 1 Kings 9:16-17, an Egyptian pharaoh captured Gezer, burned the city, and killed its Canaanite inhabitants. He then gave the city to his daughter as a dowry when she married King Solomon, who later rebuilt it. The remains of a six-chambered gate associated with this period can still be seen today.
Traces of this ancient history continue to be uncovered, including the recent discovery of an Egyptian scarab amulet dating back to the 13th Century B.C.E. The artifact was found by an American student during a high school trip to the Holy Land. The Jerusalem Post reports that 17-year-old Shiloh Attoun discovered the amulet while participating in a study tour.
“This was our class’s first trip to see the country,” Attoun said, adding that his group had arrived in Israel two days prior to the Tel Gezer visit.
“As we were learning about Tel Gezer’s history and archaeology, I noticed a small, interesting object on the ground,” he said. “It looked ancient. 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 was one right in my hand!”
The scarab amulet, shaped like a dung beetle, attests to ancient Egypt’s cultural influence on the region. Several such amulets have been found across Israel, including one discovered at the Tell Qana archaeological site in Hod Hasharon in August.
Attoun reported his discovery to the Israel Antiquities Authority, which awarded him a certificate of appreciation for properly reporting the find. The authority encourages anyone who discovers an ancient artifact to report it. Researchers at Tel Aviv University have dated the amulet to the Late Bronze Age. In addition to its scarab shape, the artifact features an engraving of two cobras above a semi-ellipse.
In other archaeological news, the 12th-century B.C.E. Canaanite Gal’on Fortress in the Guvrin Forest is reopening after years of conservation and restoration work. Like Gezer, the region was once under Egyptian influence and is associated with the biblical history, described in the Book of Judges, which recounts conflicts involving the Canaanites, Israelites, and Philistines.
“Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire. He killed its Canaanite inhabitants and then gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. And Solomon rebuilt Gezer” (1 Kings 9:16-17).