Image Details

Left behind by Ancient tomb robbers, this carnelian seal depicting three Egyptian deities was probably too common to interest the thieves. On the left is double-plumed Amon-Re, the sun god and head of the Egyptian pantheon. He appears to be holding the hand of the falcon-headed god Horus, the embodiment of kingship, who wears the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. On the right is the god of virility, Min, also double-plumed and standing erect as if posed for a Viagra ad. The inscription below bears the names of Amon-Re and Pharaoh Ramesses II (1304–1237 B.C.). The seal’s other side portrays an Egyptian king, probably Ramesses II, standing in a chariot and holding a scepter and whip, with an attendee at the horse’s bridle. The seal was once set in a gold ring, portions of which were found in the grave, which was labeled Tomb 116.