Egyptian Steatite Scarab Dedicated to Thutmose III

$284.17

A steatite Egyptian scarab beetle amulet with incised features such as the clypeus, prothorax and elytra, marked by single lines. The reverse features incised hieroglyphs within a prominent oval cartouche, dedicating this scarab to the pharaoh, Thutmose III. Within the centre of the scarab is the prominent oval cartouche, depicted horizontally and includes the hieroglyphs for the prenomen of Thutmose III, transliterating as Men-Kheper-Re. The scarab beetle is further embellished with the addition of two flanking uraei.

The amulet is pierced longitudinally for suspension.

Date: Circa 1550 - 1070 BC
Period: New Kingdom Period
Provenance: Ex major S.M., London, Collection 1970-2010.
Condition: Very fine. With clearly defined hieroglyphs. Small chip to the reverse left hand side.

SOLD

SKU: AH-1024 Category: Tags: ,

Thutmosis III meaning “Thoth is born” was a New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, pharaoh from 1479-1425 BC, ascending the throne at 2 years old, he was co-regent with his aunt, Hatsheput, for the first 22 years of his reign. Following many successful military campaigns, Thutmosis III expanded the Egyptian empire to its largest extent, conquering land in Syria and Nubia. Thutmosis III’s reign also saw some significant developments in the arts including new forms in monument and sculpture.

Not all scarabs bearing a royal name are contemporaneous to the ruling pharaoh. Some kings were held in particularly high regard, and thus their name appears on scarabs hundreds of years after their reign. Thutmosis III of Dynasty XVIII was particularly honoured in this way, with his praenomen, Men-Kheper-Re, used on scarabs for a period of circa 1000 years. Men-Kheper-Re translates as ‘Established by the image of Re’.

To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.

Weight 0.35 g
Dimensions L 1 cm
Culture

Egyptian Pharaohs

Region

Stone

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