Thutmose 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, Thutmose III expanded the Egyptian empire to its largest extent, conquering land in Syria and Nubia. Thutmose III’s reign also saw some significant developments in the arts including new forms in monument and sculpture. He is known also as Thutmose the Great and adopted this particular variant to his Throne name when he ascended to co-Regent, that is after the 21st year of his reign.
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. Thutmose III was particularly honoured in this way, with his praenomen, Men-Kheper-Re, used on scarabs for a period of circa 1000 years. Given the varied formulation of this scarab, we can ascertain a postumus dating, after Thutmose III’s reign.
Egyptian Steatite Scarab to Thutmose III
£ 1,250.00
An exceptionally large, steatite Egyptian scarab dedicated to Thutmose III and inscribed with hieroglyphs to the reverse. The obverse features a detailed head and clypeus, with inscribed lines sectioning the elytra. Triangular notches indicate the humeral callosities. The reverse features clear and well proportioned hieroglyphs. To the centre is a prominent cartouche, surrounding three hieroglyphs. To the top is a circular sun disc: re, followed by the draught board ‘men’ sign, culminating in the scarab ‘kheper’ sign. These signs combine to form the throne name of Thutmose III; Men-Kheper-re. Underneath the cartouche are three more clear signs. A central ‘kheper’ scarab, flanked by two undulating uraei. The top register features a formulaic composition of signs. To the right is the flagpole sign, ‘ntr’, meaning god. The second sign is the ‘hst’ water vessel, meaning ‘praise’. To the left, is a stylised formula ‘nb tAwy’, translating as ‘Lord of the two lands’. The inclusion of the ‘hst’ vessel is unusual, as the formula usually includes the alternate ‘nfr’ sign, which would translate as ‘praise’. The sign would appear as a trachea and windpipe. The phrase ‘Good god, Lord of the two lands’ was an epithet of Thutmose III.
Period: New Kingdom, post Thutmose III reign – Late Period.
Provenance: Ex Mustaki collection and Charles Ede Gallery, 1990’s
Condition: Very fine. Clear hieroglyphs and incised detailing. Small chip to the top side of the reverse. Exceptionally large example.
In stock
| Weight | 12.9 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 2.9 x W 2.1 cm |
| Culture | |
| Region | |
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| Egyptian Pharaohs |
