An Egyptian Scarab from Sanaᶜiye Site South of Tayma

Document Type : research articles

Author

Department of History and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

The Saudi General Department of Antiquities and Museums in 1988 discovered six collective burials at the so-called industrial site "Sanaᶜiye" in Tayma. An Egyptian-style scarab with an inscription of the name of the god Amun was found on the site. The excavation report neglected to study this scarab, its presence in these burials, and its purpose. This scarab was not the only object representing the Egyptian influence, as a Wadjet-eye amulet accompanied it. The report itself has failed to describe and date these objects.
The significance of this study is clarified by historically contextualising the data to identify the function of this scarab. Indeed, in Egypt, this object tended to be used as a seal or as a protection amulet. Both functions are considered as the scarab only bears the signs of the name Amun.
In addition, this paper attempted to determine the scarab’s date, identifying it to be the reigns of Ramesses III or his successor at the latest. This reflects the Egyptian presence in the Late Ramesside era, in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula.

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