Thousands of crocodiles were mummified in ancient Egypt. They were buried in mass graves as offerings to Sobek, a god of crocodiles, power, protection and fertility.

Before the High Aswan dam was built, crocodiles existed all the way along the banks of the river Nile. Now there are no crocodiles left in Egypt north of the dam. In ancient times crocodile attacks were fairly common so it's not surprising that people wanted to appease them.