The scarab beetle of ancient Egypt is an emblem of the creator KHEPER. The word "Kepher" denotes being, existence, creation or becoming. The god Khepera is the self-existent maker of all things. The worship of the scarab, which is symbolic of resurrection and fertility, dates form the earliest period of civilization in Egypt. It was thought that a scarab beetle rolled the orb of the sun across the sky, and a winged scarab was associated with dawn and rebirth. In the ritual of mummification, a scarab replaced the heart. Carved scarabs served two major functions: as amulets with protective and religious powers and as a personal seal which designated the property and authority of the individual whose name was placed upon it. In both cases the power ascribed to the scarab was very great. In life it served as the signature of their owner and was thought to bring prosperity and in the afterlife it insured continuous re-birth through eternity. This seal is oval-shaped, with a center hole for mounting on a ring. On one side are three figures. On the lower left is a recumbent sphinx. Before the sphinx is a kneeling human figure. Above the sphinx is a vulture with outstretched wings. On the second side is a cartouche with the throne name of Tuthmosis III: Menkheperre, as well as other hieroglyphic symbols. The sphinx is a symbol of the sun god Re and the King at the same time. Tuthmosis III's throne name also contains the name Re-the sun god. There are six hieroglyphs arranged in three rows. First row next to the cartouche is the symbol for wab, which means "purification." The symbol depicts a foot, phonetic for "b" with a vase pouring water superimposed. Next to this is a column with a tenon on top: iwen, means "pillar." Next to the cartouche in the second row is the symbol for nuit, "city." The long curved sign represents a bolt of cloth, phonetic for "s." In the bottom row is a cobra and a jar. Taken together, these symbols say, "The city of Heliopolis is Pure."