Researchers identify new ancient Egyptian crocodile genus from skull fossil

European and Egyptian researchers have identified a new genus of prehistoric crocodile using a 45-million-year-old fossil skull, Euronews reported. The skull was recovered nearly a century ago in Egypt. [1]

According to Euronews, scientists from Egypt, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany analyzed the fossil using CT scans. Their findings allowed researchers to revise part of the prehistoric crocodile family tree and provided new insights into ancient wildlife in the Mediterranean region. [1]

Euronews reported that the skull originated from the Mokattam Formation, which is the same limestone formation used to carve the Great Sphinx. Like the famous monument, the fossilized skull is missing the tip of its snout. [1]

The Daily Mail separately reported that scientists discovered the Great Sphinx was built using rocks containing hidden crocodile fossils. Ancient Egypt emerged as a civilization along the lower reaches of the Nile River around 3150 BC. [2][5]