When Alex’s four-year-old son smashed an ancient jar at Israel’s Hecht Museum he was terrified he would be forced to pay compensation for a priceless historical item.

Instead, the museum's director, Dr Inbal Rivlin, insisted that the family return for an organised tour.

Last Friday, the family visited the museum, located on the grounds of the University of Haifa, which prides itself on putting as little distance between its visitors and archaeological treasures as possible.

"Whenever possible, items are displayed without barriers or glass walls,” the museum told the BBC.

When Alex’s son saw the 3,500-year-old bronze age jar, which is thought to have been produced to carry wine and olive oil, he is said to have been curious about what was inside. 

It is believed to predate the time of King David and King Solomon.

When the child tipped it back to peer in, however, the jar hit the floor and shattered.

He “pulled the jar slightly… that’s how the jar tipped over and fell”, his father told the Guardian.

“My initial reaction was denial. I couldn’t believe it was my son who did it.”

With the ancient artefact shattered in front of him, the boy began to sob.

“At first, I was in shock,” said Alex. “Then I felt a bit angry with him.”

Speaking to the BBC, museum staff member Lihi Laszlo said that instead of blaming the child, however, he and his family would be invited back for a guided tour.

"There are instances where display items are intentionally damaged, and such cases are treated with great severity, including involving the police," she said.

"In this case, however, this was not the situation. The jar was accidentally damaged by a young child visiting the museum, and the response will be accordingly."

Alex said his family would feel "relieved" to see the jar restored but added they are "sorry" because "it will no longer be the same item".