[ΚΕΝΟ]



Oval scarab

Σ-Κ1906
Stone (Sard)
Almost intact
Height: 0.85 cm.Length: 1.4 cm.Width: 1.1 cm.
Knossos
Sanctuary of Demeter
Roman period:
1-200 AD:
Gallery:
XXII
Case:
219
Exhibition thematic unit:
Classical - Hellenistic - Roman period (5th c. BC-4th c. AD). The Cemeteries
Jewellery
Description
Sard scarab seal. The upper surface depicts the beetle’s characteristics in detail. On the sealing surface, a special drill has been used to engrave a nude male warrior, probably a gladiator. He is wearing a helmet and holding a large hoplite shield in his left hand. His right hand rests on a tree trunk at the edge of the scene. The scene is similar to others of the same period depicting Herakles. A suspension hole runs the length of the sealstone, while next to it was found a small silver link to which it may have been attached. The scarab may have been made in Etruria, which specialised in a distinctive style of scarab-shaped seal, perhaps due to visiting Greek artists.
Bibliography:
Coldstream J. N., Knossos. The Sanctuary of Demeter, Oxford, 1973 163-164, pl. 95.
Author:
S. P.


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