Ancient Greek. Likely Eastern Mediterranean. Seal with Figure Fighting a Serpent

Ancient Greek or likely Eastern Mediterranean Seal with Figure Fighting a Serpent (12.42g/ 32mm). Seated male figure, possibly a deity or mythological character, holding a staff or spear in his right hand. His left hand holds a serpent, which coils around his legs and body. The figure is muscular, with a partially draped lower garment, and wears a headpiece or crown. Above and around the figure are symbols resembling stars and constellations, including some familiar astrological glyphs—this suggests the scene may represent a mythological or celestial theme. The figure’s pose and attributes are highly reminiscent of depictions of Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of medicine, who is often shown with a serpent-entwined staff. However, the presence of multiple stars and symbols also suggests this may be a representation of Ophiuchus, the “Serpent Bearer” constellation, which is sometimes portrayed similarly./
ΑΒΑΖΑΓ
ΑΛΕΑΠΟ
ΥΚΛΙΤΑΝ
ΑBΑΗΛΙ
ΘΑΡΥ*
This is a classic example of voces magicae — strings of syllables with no clear lexical meaning, used in magical amulets from the Roman and late Hellenistic world, especially Egypt. These words were believed to have apotropaic (protective or warding) power when inscribed, chanted, or worn.

Let’s look at each line for possible clues:
• ΑΒΑΖΑΓ: Possibly a magical variant or corruption of a divine or angelic name, similar to “Abraxas” or “Abrasax” — common in Gnostic texts.
• ΑΛΕΑΠΟ: May be a magical name or a corruption of a phrase invoking a deity or power.
• ΥΚΛΙΤΑΝ: Unclear, likely a constructed magical word.
• ΑΒΑΗΛΙ: This resembles Semitic or pseudo-Hebrew divine names — “Abaeli” or “Abahel,” used in some Jewish magical traditions.
• ΘΑΡΥ*: Possibly related to θάρσος (tharsos) meaning “courage” or “confidence” in Greek, combined with a magical symbol (*).

⸻

Function:

The whole gem is likely protective, calling on divine or supernatural powers to guard the bearer. The front image, showing a deity (perhaps Horus-Harpocrates) standing on a crocodile and holding serpents, is a common motif in Egyptian magical tradition — meant to ward off evil, illness, or harm from wild creatures.
Ex collection of a UK based dealer.