Tours: Fauna of Ancient Egypt

Learn about the fauna of ancient Egypt.

The Importance of AnimalsWildlifeLords of the NileBirds EverywhereLions

Eyeshadow palette, decoraed with hyenas or lycaon from the Neolithic Period

Both domesticated and wild animals were features in ancient Egyptian bas reliefs as early as the 1st Dynasty.

While the variety of wildlife served as a reliable food source, it also influenced both culture and mythology.

Gazelle figurine from the 18th Dynasty

Egypt's terrain allowed for a diverse range of animals, including panthers, rhinoceroses, elephants and many variations of antelopes.

Figure of a hippopotamus, nicknamed "William" dating from the 12 Dynasty

The Nile was home to many species of fish, along with hippopotami and crocodiles.

Wood and bronze statuette of Ibis from the Ptolemaic Era

The wide variety of birds that populated the river banks, from raptors and waterfowl to songbirds, were all catalogued within Egyptian hieroglyphic signs.

Encounters with reptiles and insects, such as cobras, scorpions and scarabs, influenced hieroglyphs and art.

Artist's sketch of a pharaoh spearing a lion from the 20th Dynasty

While all animals had sacred meanings, lions in particular represented power and royalty to ancient Egyptians. They were so prized by pharaohs that they were hunted to extinction within Egypt.