Scarab (base)

A scarab is an ancient Egyptian amulet in the form of a dung beetle, symbolic of regeneration. As time went on, scarabs developed into use as personal seals. This example of glazed steatite dates from around 1295 to 1069 BC.

This picture shows the base of the scarab. It has been engraved with the figure of Bes, a dwarf god with a lion's face, who protected children and the home. On either side is the name of Thutmose III (ruler around 1479 to 1425) within a cartouche (an oval containing a name).

Religious and secular life were intertwined in ancient Egypt. The king (known as pharaoh from the time of the New Kingdom) was also considered to be several gods. Objects inscribed with the names of kings could function as amulets, and need not date to their reigns.

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