New scans reveal mummified crocodile’s last meal
Technology tamfitronics Crocodiles played an important spiritual role in ancient Egypt. This mummified reptile comes from the cult center of Kom Ombo, in southern Egypt.Photograph by Kenneth Garrett, Nat Geo Image CollectionThe adult reptile remained intact as scientists used X-ray technology to look deep inside the belly of the ancient beast.Three-dimensional x-ray scans have revealed the last hours of a Nile crocodile that was mummified in ancient Egypt. The surprise discovery provides important evidence for how the Egyptians viewed and dealt with these dangerous reptiles, thousands of which were preserved and wrapped as religious offerings.The scans show that the seven-foot-long wild beast had both a fish and a metal fishhook in its stomach when it died, likely more than 2,000 years ago. The fish appears mostly undigested, indicating it was the croc’s last meal.The reptile...
