The Venomous Reptiles of Ancient Egypt: A Closer Look
Written on
Chapter 1: Snakes of Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, snakes posed a significant threat. Scholars have pinpointed the most perilous types. Recent studies have delved into which snakes were prevalent during this era.
This paragraph will result in an indented block of text, typically used for quoting other text.
Section 1.1: The Snakes of Myth and Reality
While the depiction of Indiana Jones facing countless snakes in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” may seem exaggerated, it highlights a historical truth. Today, snakes in Egypt generally avoid human contact, retreating quickly when approached. However, it's prudent to remain cautious, as ancient Egypt likely harbored many more venomous species.
Researchers from Bangor University in the UK sought to uncover the types of snakes that ancient Egyptians encountered. Their findings, published in the journal “Environmental Archaeology,” utilized computer modeling to aid in their exploration.
Section 1.2: Insights from the Brooklyn Papyrus
The Brooklyn Papyrus, a medical document from around 660 to 330 BC, outlines symptoms associated with snake bites. It catalogs 37 venomous species, though 13 remain unidentified. Current Egypt has far fewer dangerous species, raising questions about which snakes the papyrus referred to.
Herpetologists have made attempts to identify these snakes, yet some may have vanished from Egypt entirely. British researchers successfully analyzed ten snake species that may have existed during ancient times, finding promising results.
Chapter 2: The Apophis Connection
The papyrus mentions a snake linked to the god Apophis, described as having four fangs and causing immediate death upon biting. Today’s Egyptian venomous snakes, like vipers and cobras, possess only two fangs.
Interestingly, the boomslang (Dispholidus typus), found only 650 km south of Egypt, has four fangs and is highly venomous. Could this species be the one associated with Apophis?
The Most Deadly Snake Of The Egyptian Desert | Wildest Middle East - YouTube
Recent research utilized climate niche modeling to analyze changes in the habitats of various African and Levantine snakes over time, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean.
Section 2.1: The Methodology of Climate Niche Modeling
This technique reconstructs the living conditions of species and identifies regions that offered similar environments historically. By mapping contemporary suitable habitats and overlaying past climatic conditions, researchers can infer the potential distribution of species.
“Our research indicates that the wetter climate of early ancient Egypt could have supported many snake species that no longer thrive there today. We focused on ten venomous species from Africa and the Middle East that might correspond to those described in the Brooklyn Papyrus,” the researchers stated.
Section 2.2: Venomous Snakes and Their Habitats
Remarkably, nine of the ten species analyzed could have existed in ancient Egypt, with many potentially inhabiting the southern regions, present-day northern Sudan, and the Red Sea coast. The fertile Nile Valley and northern coastal areas near the Mediterranean may have also been home to these snakes.
The Brooklyn Papyrus describes a snake akin to a quail, noted for its hissing, which scientists suggest could be the puff adder (Bitis arietans). Currently, this species resides south of Khartoum in Sudan and northern Eritrea, but the researchers' models indicate it may have once ranged further north.
Spitting cobras: the peculiar evolution of defensive venom in snakes - YouTube
Section 2.3: Conclusion
This study illustrates the value of merging ancient texts with modern scientific techniques. Even imprecise historical accounts can yield significant insights, revealing how environmental changes have shaped the ecosystems our ancestors inhabited.
A curious revelation: An ancient monument’s original appearance differs. On the famous Elgin Marbles, which were once part of the Greek Parthenon, scientists have uncovered hidden patterns and…
Attention all readers!
As content creators on Medium.com, we face minimal compensation for our hard work. If you find value in my articles, please consider supporting me on my “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your small contributions can make a big difference in fueling my passion for creating quality content. Thank you for your support!
