Scientists Cut Open a 3,000-Year-Old Egyptian Mummified Crocodile and Were Blown Away by What They Found Inside

Mummification done in the past has given researchers insights into ancient humans. Though human mummification from Egypt has grabbed a lot of attention, animals were also the subject of this practice, stated Popular Mechanics. A mummified crocodile was analyzed, and findings were published in Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage.

This crocodile was mummified as a dedication to a crocodile deity named Sobek. Researchers associated with the study analyzed a specimen known simply as 2005.335, in the custody of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The specimen was 7.2-foot-long in size and 3,000 years old. The study noted that, unlike human mummification, where organs were removed, in the case of crocodiles, the organs were kept intact. 

The examination was done through non-invasive techniques like X-rays and CT scans to ensure that the mummy was not subjected to any damage. Experts found several gastroliths inside the crocodile. Gastroliths are stones that are typically swallowed by these beasts for smoother digestion. Along with the stones, the researchers also spotted a fish attached to a bronze hook. This implies that people captured this crocodile, and it possibly did not have a natural death. The gastroliths were not in the stomach, which means that the creature died very soon after its last meal, and hence, there was no opportunity for digestion. 

The team has recreated the bronze hook found inside the crocodile for display purposes in the museum. Researchers think that clay was hardened to create a mold, after which molten metal was put into the charcoal fire to build a hook. They used the same process to form a replica. The creature was a Nile crocodile, stated National Geographic. Seeing the size of the crocodile, experts claimed was a fully grown specimen. Researchers have yet to figure out how the crocodile was mummified, and where it came from. Experts not associated with the study appreciated the examination, as it proved that even without the use of invasive techniques, meaningful information can be unearthed.

Another set of crocodile mummies was found in the necropolis of Qubbet el Hawa in Southern Egypt, stated National Geographic. This set contained five almost complete skeletons and five heads. Archaeologists were surprised by the discovery, as it is rare to find ten crocodile mummies together at any site. All the specimens belonged to two species, the Nile crocodile and the West African crocodile. 

Researchers found that the linen, which once enveloped these crocodiles, had been destroyed by insects. The team was intrigued by the absence of resins. Seeing the condition of animals, experts claimed that the crocodiles at the site were mummified by being left in the dry heat, inside sand pits. Archaeologists found fragments of rope in the site, which suggested to them that these crocodiles were captured at the site and ultimately died from dehydration. 

Crocodiles were highly revered creatures in Egyptian culture, stated Popular Mechanics. Many archaeologists believe that this reverence possibly put these creatures in danger, and became the reason behind their breeding by 'crocodile cults' for sacrifice.