One of the few remaining Achaemenid seals, a Persian masterpiece made of blue chalcedony in a gold mount. Dating to 465–424 BC, it belonged to King Artaxerxes I and is housed in the National Museum of Iran. [4000×2500]
One of the few remaining Achaemenid seals, a Persian masterpiece made of blue chalcedony in a gold mount. Dating to 465–424 BC, it belonged to King Artaxerxes I and is housed in the National Museum of Iran. [4000×2500]
It’s a large scaraboid in blue chalcedony mounted in a gold band which is then attached to a coiled wire swivel mount favoured in the eastern Mediterranean at the time. The scaraboid depicts the Great King walking to the left holding a spear in his left hand, and his gold scepter in his right which is always shown as a lotus flower shaped object. Behind him walk two guards who also hold spears as well as bow cases on their backs.
The encasing gold mount is decorated with filigreed ‘S’ shaped wires. The king depicted is almost certainly Artaxerxes I who ruled from 465-424 BC. His reign was long and eventful, finally concluding a peace with the Greeks. The seal was discovered in the Council Hall of Persepolis, which further strengthens the possibility of its usage by the royalty.
Housed in the Achaemenid Hall, National Museum of Iran
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It’s a large scaraboid in blue chalcedony mounted in a gold band which is then attached to a coiled wire swivel mount favoured in the eastern Mediterranean at the time. The scaraboid depicts the Great King walking to the left holding a spear in his left hand, and his gold scepter in his right which is always shown as a lotus flower shaped object. Behind him walk two guards who also hold spears as well as bow cases on their backs.
The encasing gold mount is decorated with filigreed ‘S’ shaped wires. The king depicted is almost certainly Artaxerxes I who ruled from 465-424 BC. His reign was long and eventful, finally concluding a peace with the Greeks. The seal was discovered in the Council Hall of Persepolis, which further strengthens the possibility of its usage by the royalty.
Housed in the Achaemenid Hall, National Museum of Iran
Dimensions: 27 by 32 mm.
Weight: 37.96. Grams