Scorpion tattoos have been around for centuries, with the earliest known examples dating back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed the scorpion was a symbol of power and protection. The Egyptians also believed that scorpions could ward off evil spirits, so they often placed them in tombs to protect the deceased. In Ancient Greece, scorpions were seen as a symbol of death and destruction, while in the Middle East they were an emblem of strength and courage. The popularity of scorpion tattoos grew in the 1700s, when sailors and other seafarers adopted the motif to ward off danger while out at sea.