Archaeology & Antiquities
Wild Bull Hunt Scarab of Amenhotep III
Permanent Exhibition
Details
- Author / creator
- Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE)
- Object type
- Archaeology
- Date or period
- c. 1391–1353 BCE
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 10.5 × 6.6 × 2.5 cm
- Site or findspot
- Saqqara, Egypt
- Cultural period
- Ancient
About this object
Large commemorative scarabs are characteristic of Amenhotep III’s reign. About 200 are known, and all are inscribed with texts on their undersides, recording significant events in the life of the king and queen. This particular scarab is one of only 5 known examples that describe a royal bull hunt undertaken in his second year of rule, in which the king killed 96 bulls. More than just a pastime, the king’s success as a hunter symbolized the triumph of royal order over the forces of nature and chaos.
Materials and technique
Steatite
