Cylinder seal impressions from ancient Ugarit & Persia. Early depictions of the chariot. Mesopotamia.

Ugarit cylinder seal impression

Dimensions :-
Length - 6.7 cm / 2-5/8 inches
Height - 3 cm / 1-1/4 inches

Persian (king Darius) seal impression

Dimensions :-
Length - 5.5 cm / 2-1/8 inches
Height - 3.8 cm / 1-1/2 inches

Elamite seal impression

Dimensions :-
Length - 7 cm / 2-3/4 inches
Height - 4.8 cm / 1-5/8 inches




On offer here are a trio of replica cylinder seal impressions which feature the chariot at different stages of development and refinement. The early Ugarit version and the later Persian example maybe separated by many generations, but they share a common pride and desire to advertise the two wheeled marvel of the age.

Notes on the Ugarit seal impression

Ancient Ugarit was a strategically located sea port city in the Levant in northern Syria. The ruins are located on a headland and were excavated in the 1920's and 30's revealing a mass of Cuneiform Akkadian texts. The texts describe among other things, strong political ties with Egypt and the Hittites and the subsequent fraying of said ties.
Egypt had a particular influence as a major trading partner with much of the 'cedars of Lebanon' passing through this port city to feed the needs of the artisans and craftsman of Egypt.
Egypt had limited timber resources and relied heavily on trade with her northern and southern neighbours and thus Ugarit was a major confluence of exotic goods.

The seal impression depicts an Ugarit king hunting a lion in a chariot, one of the earliest depictions of the vehicle. Beneath the wheels can be seen a vanquished enemy emphasizing the power and might of the king.
His headdress is very similar to the white crown of Egyptian kings.

Floating above the scene can be seen a hawk with yet another bird behind the king. Again, similar iconography to the Egyptian kings who were protected by the falcon sky god Horus. Horus was often perched behind the Pharaoh in paintings, relief carvings and perhaps the most iconic representation of all, the statue of a seated King Khafre with Horus perched behind him, hidden by the width of the Nemes Pharaonic headdress.
The adoption of Egyptian imagery merging with their own style is a sign of respect for the Egyptian culture during the period of strongest allegience.

The Darius impression shows similar iconography however Ahuru Mazda hovers above as king Darius hunts a raging lion in a palm grove. The cuneiform script details King Darius’s exploits which is symbolic of mastery over chaos. This particular seal is one of the greatest miniature marvels of the ancient world and I am so glad to bring it back, now with additional company. Three seals such as these can be sent together for the same price hence the creation of a dedicated listing to save on shipping. Up to four or five seals (depending on size) can be sent.together.


The Elamite cylinder seal impression replica features an early depiction of the chariot in military service. The invasion of Babylon by the Elamites, effectively ended the Kassite dynasty circa 1155 B.C.E.
The Kassites were the first Mesopotamian peoples to employ the use of the horse in military action and unfortunately for them, it was used against them during the Elamite battles.

The Pleiades star cluster can be seen directly above the horse's back. Known in ancient Mesopotamia as 'Mul Mul' or 'star of stars' in their comprehensive catalogue of the night sky.
It's use and position in the scene symbolize victory.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone they have aged patinas.