THE chilling secrets of ancient Egyptian “crocodile cults” have been unveiled thanks to a 3,000-year-old mummy.
It has taken thousands of years for academics to figure out how the scaly beasts could be lured from their natural environment to then become worshipped, spoiled rotten, and sacrificed.
But 3D X-ray scans of a mummified crocodile sitting in a UK museum have now solved the mysteries of the ancient religious cults.
Scientists discovered that the animal was killed almost immediately after being captured, and that within its gut was an undigested fish and a fish hook.
University of Manchester archaeologist and Egyptologist Lidija Mcknight, the lead author of the study, said: “The ancient Egyptians venerated crocodiles as avatars of Sobek, Lord of the Nile and of the primeval swamp from which they believed the Earth was created.”
Researchers added that a great number of mummified crocodiles, some measuring up to 19.7 feet in length, have been found throughout Egypt, indicating the existence of “centres of sacred activity dedicated to the crocodile.”
While innumerable crocodiles seem to have been sacrificed, some were also cared for as “cult animals” and permitted to pass away naturally.
The most well-known of these, Suchus, resided at the cult centre of Crocodilopolis.
Mcknight and her colleagues wrote on Live Science: “Believed to be the living incarnation of Sobek, Suchus was provided with a dedicated pond within the temple complex where he received a lavish diet of bread, meat and wine delivered by the priests, and adornments of precious metals and jewels.
“As a cult animal, Suchus received the levels of care befitting a god on earth.”
The question of how the ancient Egyptians obtained so many enormous crocodiles for their religious rituals, however, still stumps scientists.
Some have speculated that the animals may have been grown in captivity after an old hatchery was found at the archaeological site of Medinet Madi.
But it’s unclear how these fierce animals could have been housed and cared for once they reached adult proportions.
Other accounts, including the works of the Greek historian Herodotus, claim that the crocodiles were captured from the wild after being drawn to the banks of the Nile by the sound of a pig being beaten.
The study authors scanned a mummified crocodile from the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery that was 7.2 feet in length in order to determine the true events that occurred along the water’s edge.
Surprisingly, they discovered a bronze fish hook within the animal’s gut, indicating that it was “a wild animal hunted for the purposes of mummification” rather than being grown in captivity.
The scientists also found a small fish inside the crocodile’s digestive tract that had not yet been broken down by its digestive juices.
This discovery suggests that the animal consumed its final meal just before it passed away, indicating that it was most likely slaughtered and mummified shortly after being captured.
Mcknight wrote on the study: “The apparent short time span between the ingestion of the fish and the death of the animal suggests that the crocodile was wild caught and the carcass processed for mummification shortly after.”
Based on the collective evidence, the scientists then conclude that the crocodile was “caught and mummified by the ancient Egyptians as an offering to the god Sobek.”
Sobek was the crocodile-headed god associated with fertility, protection, and the Nile River.
He was believed to be a powerful deity with the ability to both create and destroy, reflecting the dual nature of crocodiles—creatures that were both revered and feared.
Sobek was also invoked in funerary rituals, as he was believed to assist the deceased in their journey to the afterlife.
His role in the underworld was to protect and guide souls, much like how the Nile guided the Egyptians in life.
The worship of Sobek and the crocodile cults began to decline with the spread of Christianity in Egypt during the late Roman period.
By the time of the early Christian era, many of the old Egyptian religious practices, including the worship of Sobek, were either integrated into new religious contexts or faded away altogether.
Despite the decline, Sobek remained an important figure in Egyptian mythology, and his legacy continued to influence later cultures and religions, as evidenced by the presence of crocodile mummies and the remnants of Sobek temples scattered throughout Egypt.
ANCIENT Egypt is one of the most fascinating and mysterious civilisations in history. Despite extensive archaeological research, many aspects of Egyptian culture, religion, and history remain enigmatic.
Here are five of the biggest mysteries of Ancient Egypt:
The Construction of the Pyramids: The construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, remains one of the greatest mysteries. While we know that it was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu around 2580–2560 BCE, the exact methods used to transport and assemble the massive limestone blocks, some weighing as much as 80 tons, are still debated. Theories range from ramps to more exotic ideas involving water or even extraterrestrial assistance, but there is no definitive explanation.
The Purpose of the Sphinx: The Great Sphinx of Giza, a colossal limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh (often believed to represent Khafre), has puzzled historians and archaeologists for centuries. The purpose of the Sphinx, its original name, and the meaning of its expression are still debated. There is also mystery surrounding the erosion on the Sphinx, with some suggesting it might date back earlier than currently believed.
The Disappearance of Nefertiti: Nefertiti, the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, is one of the most famous figures of ancient Egypt, known for her beauty and power. However, her fate remains unknown. After a period of prominence, she seems to have disappeared from historical records around 1336 BCE. Some theories suggest she may have become a co-regent under the name Neferneferuaten, while others propose she might have been exiled, died, or even ruled as a pharaoh in her own right.
The Death of Tutankhamun: The cause of death of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun has been a subject of speculation since the discovery of his tomb in 1922. Although his death was initially attributed to a blow to the head, modern analyses using CT scans and DNA testing have proposed various theories, including malaria, a chariot accident, or genetic disorders resulting from inbreeding. However, the exact cause of his death at the age of 19 remains unresolved.
The Location of Cleopatra’s Tomb: Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and her lover, Mark Antony, are said to have been buried together after their suicides following their defeat by Octavian. Despite numerous searches, the location of Cleopatra’s tomb remains unknown. Some believe it may be in the vicinity of Alexandria, possibly submerged underwater due to earthquakes, while others suggest it could be in a hidden, undiscovered tomb inland. The discovery of her tomb would be one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
