On the US $1 bill, the Eye of Providence is above a pyramid of 13 steps, symbolising the original states (Credit: Alamy) In truth, it’s an uncanny and frankly odd choice for a US symbol of state.

The "Eye of Horus," a depiction of a single stylized eye looking straight ahead, is found throughout ancient Egypt. The symbol is frequently seen in ancient burials — especially on a type of ...

The "Eye of Horus," a depiction of a single stylized eye looking straight ahead, is found throughout ancient Egypt. The symbol is frequently seen in ancient burials — especially on a type of ...

In Egyptian mythology, Horus, son of Osiris, lost his left eye during a battle with Seth for the throne of Egypt. Thoth, the god of wisdom, restored it, transforming this eye into a symbol of healing ...

The eye symbol is so deeply embedded in culture that, in spite of its potentially pagan connotations, it even finds a place within religious texts, including the Bible and the Quran.

The symbol is frequently seen in ancient burials — especially on a type of amulet known as the wedjat (or udjat). Sometimes, the Eye of Horus is also featured on coffins and inside tomb chapels.