Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Monumental Granite Scarab
This species of beetle would burrow into the ground, then reappear—it's a symbol of re-
surrection, like the sun rising and setting, or dying and rebirth. Scarab amulets were placed
on mummies' chests to protect the spirit's heart from acting impulsively. Pharaohs wore
the symbol of the beetle, and tombs and temples were decorated with them (this one, from
c. 332
B.C.
, probably once sat in a temple). The hieroglyph for scarab meant “to come into
being.”
Like the scarab, Egyptian culture was buried—first by Greece, then by Rome. Know-
ledge of the ancient writing died, condemning the culture to obscurity. But since the dis-
covery of the Rosetta Stone, Egyptology has boomed, and Egypt has come back to life.
• You can't call Egypt a wrap until you visit the mummies upstairs. Continue to the end of
the gallery past the giant stone scarab and up the West Stairs (four flights or elevator) to
Floor 3. At the top, turn left into Room 61, with objects and wall paintings from the tomb
of Nebamun.
