Lizard

The Lizard in Ancient Egypt

The lizard was a symbol of regeneration because of its ability to re-grow its tail, and gold and bronze lizard amulets were popular in the Late Period. Often seen basking in the sun, lizards were believed to be manifestations of the sun-god Atum. As with snakes, lizards were also thought to represent the forces of chaos.

At Lisht great numbers of mummified lizards have been found, interred in jars. Although it is difficult to determine exactly what types of lizards were held to be sacred in ancient Egypt, they were most likely the Desert Monitor and the Egyptian Gecko (//Stenodactylus guttatus//.)

The Reptiles and Amphibians of Ancient Egypt