Image Details
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
When Ramesses II reigned (about 1290–1224 B.C.) this carnelian scarab was issued to honor Thutmosis III (1479–1425 B.C.). Found recently just north of the Mt. Ebal altar, the rare artifact pinpoints the date of the altar to this period in the 13th century B.C.
What looks like a capital letter “B” in the center of the scarab is a double bow held by a kneeling archer, far left. The cartouche of the great conqueror Thutmosis III appears at the far right. At the top is a crawling salamander, an Egyptian symbol of abundance.