Amulet in the shape of a scorpion, Kashan, Iran, 1800-1920

Amulets in the shape of scorpions have been used since ancient Greek times to protect against potentially fatal scorpion stings. Some were worn on necklaces or attached to the outside of buildings. This bronze amulet was found in the ruins of Kashan, Persia (modern day Iran). Kashan may have been inhabited as early as the 600s BCE and was a major settlement in the 900s CE. After an earthquake in 1…