A research led by Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the University of Jaén in Spain has discovered 10 crocodiles were mummified at Qubbat al-Hawā, located on the west bank of the Nile, Egypt.
Overview of the crocodiles during excavation showing numbers attributed to them before lifting.
Photo Credit: journals.plos.org
The findings consisted of five more or less complete bodies and five heads that were in varying states of preservation and completeness, according a peer-reviewed study in PLOS ONE journal published on Wednesday.
The study showed that it is assumed that the crocodiles were laid on the surface or, more likely, buried in a sandy environment that allowed the bodies to dry out naturally.
The use of linen and wrapping in mats was documented for some specimens, but it is unclear whether this was the case for all animals, as this organic material may have been eaten by insects.
Moreover, the most striking feature of this collection of crocodiles is the wide variation in the state of preservation of the mummies.
The research added that all necessary permits were obtained from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, for the described study, which complied with all relevant regulations.
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