The Scarab of Ancient Egypt

Scarabs were popular amulets in Ancient Egypt, and many of them survived to present day. Since scarabs were inscribed on the bottom of the amulet they provide useful information to researchers and archeologists. 

Scarab with Spread Wings; Walters Art Museum, USA

Scarabs take the shape of the dung or scarab beetle, as it symbolized new life and resurrection. Ancient Egyptians used the dung beetle to represent this because of the habit the dung beetle had of rolling a ball of dung in which it had laid its eggs. The new beetles that then hatched and emerged from the dung then represented life emerging from the mud and and spontaneous creation.

Granit Scarab Beetle Statue in Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt (Wouter Hagens)

The Scarab is also associated with the young sun-god Khepri, who like the scarab beetle was believed to be self-created. He was also connected with the scarab beetle because its rolling of dung also symbolized the journey of the sun making its way through the sky. The name Khepri came from the Ancient Egyptian word "Kheper" which meant "develop" or "come into being."

Khepri; Based of New Kingdom Tomb paintings

Scarabs became popular during the Middle Kingdom and remained popular even after the pharaonic period.  Scarabs were first used as amulets, as personal seals and also administrative seals that functioned and was incorporated as jewelry.  As time went on scarabs were used as political seals and to advertise royal achievements. Lastly, heart scarabs were used in the group of amulets protecting mummies. 

Heart Scarab