Dinosaurs roamed the ancient lands of Egypt during the Mesozoic Era. Fossil discoveries in Egypt, particularly from the Late Cretaceous period, have provided valuable insights into the diverse dinosaur species that once thrived in North Africa.
Ancient Egyptian Landscape
During the Cretaceous period (approximately 145 to 66 million years ago), modern-day Egypt was vastly different from its current desert landscape. It was situated along the southern edge of the Tethys Sea, a prehistoric ocean that separated the supercontinents of Laurasia and Gondwana. This ancient seaway shaped the environment, with its coastline extending from what is now Alexandria down to Luxor.
Lush deltaic environments, vast river systems, and coastal plains characterized the region, creating a network of freshwater and brackish habitats. These conditions supported a diverse array of life, including both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. These water bodies and ecosystems contributed to fossil preservation, as sediments could quickly bury and protect organic remains.
Key Dinosaur Discoveries
One prominent dinosaur discovered in Egypt is Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, a large predatory theropod from the Late Cretaceous period (approximately 100 to 94 million years ago). Its unique features include a long, crocodile-like snout filled with conical, unserrated teeth, suited for grasping fish. The nostrils were positioned farther back on the skull, allowing it to breathe while partially submerged.
Spinosaurus is recognized for its distinctive dorsal sail, formed by elongated neural spines extending from its vertebrae, which could reach up to 1.65 meters (5.4 feet). While its exact purpose is debated, it may have been used for display or thermoregulation. Its short hind limbs, dense bones, and a paddle-shaped tail suggest adaptations for an aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle, making it unique among large predatory dinosaurs.
Another significant find is Carcharodontosaurus saharicus, a formidable carnivorous theropod that coexisted with Spinosaurus in North Africa (around 100 to 94 million years ago). This dinosaur was a large predator, estimated to reach 12-13 meters (40-43 feet) and weigh approximately 6-8 metric tons. Its name, meaning “shark-toothed lizard,” refers to its large, blade-like teeth, which were serrated and ideal for slicing through flesh.
Carcharodontosaurus possessed a massive skull, around 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) long, with strong jaw muscles. Unlike Tyrannosaurus rex, its bite force was lower, suggesting it relied on inflicting deep slashing wounds rather than crushing bones. Its body was built for speed and power, with a long, muscular tail providing balance and agility, indicating it was an apex predator.
Bahariasaurus ingens is another large theropod dinosaur discovered in Egypt’s Bahariya Formation. While its exact classification is debated due to the destruction of its original holotype fossils during World War II, it is estimated to have been a large predator, possibly reaching 11-12 meters (36-39 feet) and weighing around 4-4.8 tons. Its size approaches that of other large theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex and Carcharodontosaurus.
Significance of Egyptian Paleontology
Paleontological discoveries in Egypt, particularly from the Bahariya Formation, are important for understanding dinosaur evolution and distribution. This region provides a window into the diverse ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous in North Africa. The Bahariya Formation has yielded type specimens of several dinosaurs, including Spinosaurus, Carcharodontosaurus, and Bahariasaurus, contributing to our knowledge of Gondwanan fauna.
The destruction of many early collections from the Bahariya Formation during a 1944 bombing in Munich highlights challenges faced by paleontologists studying this region. Despite these losses, new expeditions continue to uncover additional fossils, including an abelisaurid vertebra in 2022. This represents the first confirmed abelisaurid fossil from the Bahariya Formation. These ongoing efforts are helping to restore the paleontological legacy of this site and provide further insights into North Africa’s ancient life.