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Polish archaeologists discover ancient crocodile remains in Egypt

20.12.2022 16:30
Polish archaeologists working in Egypt have discovered the remains of ancient crocodiles near the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
Audio
Patryk Chudzik
Patryk ChudzikPhoto: Radio Poland

The skeletal remains, which were not mummified, consisted of fragments of the skull and mandible, loose teeth.

The archaeologists say they found nine Nile crocodile heads in total.

Experts say the discovery opens the way to exploring the role of reptile remains in funerary ceremonies in ancient Egypt.

Patryk Chudzik, an archaeologist from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, told Danuta Isler that Polish scientists "have been working in Egypt for over 80 years," an effort that gained momentum after Prof. Kazimierz Michałowski founded what is known as the Polish school of Mediterranean archaeology.

Chudzik also said that the Temple of Hatshepsut in Egypt "was partly reconstructed by Polish scholars" and "is now one of the most important places on the map for every tourist who wants to visit the country."

Chudzik was a consultant for Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures, a travelling exhibition that arrived in Warsaw in the fall to offer an insight into life in ancient Egypt.

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