Egyptian Sealings in Clay

Two clay seal impressions of Julius Caesar (left) and Cleopatra (right).

Rings were used by government representatives and other important figures in ancient Egypt for securing or authorizing official documents, such as agreements, loans or contracts, by pressing it into clay. The documents were kept in archives, controlled by the state, city, temple, or by individuals. If the archive caught fire the documents were burnt but the clay sealings would be baked and preserved.

About 320 seal impressions in clay are displayed, including prominently one of Cleopatra and another of Julius Caesar. The sealings come from the southern Egyptian city of Edfu, sacred to Horus the falcon god.