Although the scarab amulet was a uniquely Egyptian innovation, it soon became assimilated into many other cultures that were in contact with the Ancient Egyptians. Foremost among them were the neighboring Phoenicians who inhabited the lands of modern Lebanon as well as widespread territories throughout the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians are believed to have been escendants of the ancient Canaanites, as both these cultures shared many of the same religious beliefs and social customs. The earliest excavated Phoenician scarabs date from the 8th century B.C. They were primarily used as intaglio seals and feature a broad range of scenes and styles including Egyptian motifs, native Phoenician and Syrian subjects, and subject matters that were derived from Greek art. A remarkable series of rich green jasper scarabs such as this one were produced in Phoenicia throughout the Persian Period, roughly from the late 6th to the middle of the 4th century B.C. Most of these green jasper scarabs have been unearthed in cemeteries of the Punic west, including Carthage as well as Sardinia and Ibiza. However, there are many indications that they originally came from the eastern homeland. Origin: Lebanon
Circa: 6 th Century BC to 4 th Century BC Dimensions: 1.375" (3.5cm) high x 1" (2.5cm) wide
Collection: Biblical Style: Phoenician Medium: Green Jasper

Antiquities
Ancient Near East