Scaraboid Stamp Seal: Horseman Spearing a Falling Man

This chalcedony scaraboid stamp seal features an image of a mounted warrior attacking a felled opponent. The carving of the horse is shallow, save for the swells of its chest and hindquarters. Its front legs are raised some, as if about to trample the fallen man. The rider wears a pointed cap, and in his upraised hand he holds a spear. His opponent lies on his back with his knees bent. He raises one hand to meet the spear pointed at this head. The lack of detail makes it difficult identify the figures in this scene. There is, however, a handful of seals showing Persian riders attacking opponents on foot (1); this seal is likely similar. NOTE 1. E.g., J. Boardman, Greek Gems and Finger Rings: Early Bronze Age to Late Classical (London, 1970) fig. 310, nos. 881, 974.